''Soapstars'' is a British reality television show that aired on ITV from 3 September 2001 to 7 November 2001. The series featured thousands of contestants auditioning to be cast as part of a new family—consisting of a mother, father and three teenage children—in the ITV soap opera '' Emmerdale''. The judging panel consisted of drama producer Yvon Grace, casting director Paul de Freitas, and ''Emmerdale'' scriptwriter Bill Lyons. Auditions for ''Soapstars'' began on 8 June 2001 in Sheffield. British actor's trade union

Equity Equity may refer to: Finance, accounting and ownership * Equity (finance), ownership of assets that have liabilities attached to them ** Stock, equity based on original contributions of cash or other value to a business ** Home equity, the dif ...

released a statement critical of the series, stating it was "an insulting affront to the men and women in our profession who endure low rates of pay, rejection and humiliation in the course of their work, despite their training, experience, dedication and talent." The winners of ''Soapstars'' were Dee Whitehead (for the role of

Maggie Calder ''Emmerdale'' is a British soap opera first broadcast on 16 October 1972. The following is a list of characters that first appeared in the show in 2001, by order of first appearance. All characters were introduced by series producer Steve Frost. ...

), Mark Jardine (for the role of Phil Weston), Elspeth Brodie (for the role of Lucy Calder), Jason Hain (for the role of

Craig Calder ''Emmerdale'' is a British soap opera first broadcast on 16 October 1972. The following is a list of characters that first appeared in the show in 2001, by order of first appearance. All characters were introduced by series producer Steve Frost. ...

) and Ruth Abram (for the role of

Jess Weston ''Emmerdale'' is a British soap opera first broadcast on 16 October 1972. The following is a list of characters that first appeared in the show in 2001, by order of first appearance. All characters were introduced by series producer Steve Frost. ...

). They initially won three month contracts to appear as the Calder family in ''Emmerdale'', beginning in November 2001. Their contracts were later extended, but by August 2002, all the winners had left the show. The show was inspired by the earlier reality show Popstars.

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* 2000s British reality television series 2001 British television series debuts 2001 British television series endings Emmerdale ITV reality television shows London Weekend Television shows Television series by ITV Studios {{UK-reality-tv-prog-stub