The cast of ITV1 soap Emmerdale are to film an hour-long commemorative episode next week to mark the memory of Ilkley actor Clive Hornby.

The special screening, due to be shown on Tuesday, features cameo appearances by some of the show’s best known characters in tribute to Clive, who played flat-capped Jack Sugden for 28 years.

The longest-serving member of the cast, Clive died last July aged 63.

A resident of Ilkley for many years, he was known locally for his “quiet, unassuming” ways as he made the occasional appearance at local events.

Next week marks the anniversary of Clive’s last appearance on screen and Emmerdale will pay tribute to him with the special episode which will unite members of the Sugden family past and present for Jack’s funeral.

Actress Sheila Mercier will return to the Yorkshire village as Jack’s mother, Annie, and Karl Davies will reprise his much-loved role as Jack’s son, Robert, for the episode to bid an emotional farewell.

Karl said: “I wanted to come back to do this episode to pay tribute to a wonderful actor, friend and father.

“The episode is a homage to the first ever episode of Emmerdale where we see Jack returning to Emmerdale on the day of his father’s funeral, so to see his son return on the day of his funeral is a nice way to complete the circle.

“Everyone who worked with Clive loved him to pieces and I think this is a fitting tribute by a show that he gave 28 years to. We’ll all miss him very much.”

The show is due to be screened on Tuesday at 7pm on ITV1.