The ITV soap has been a staple on screens since 1972 and has amassed a loyal legion of fans. However, it appears for some viewers, recent storylines have left them fuming at their screens.

Fans will recall the soap has not been short of drama in recent months. Earlier this year, it kicked off a harrowing abuse storyline involving Belle Dingle (Eden Taylor-Draper) and Tom King (James Chase).

She has since ended their marriage after realising his true colours, and recently went to the police. And although Tom has shown no signs of letting her go, Belle has refused to tell anyone about the violence and abuse Tom subjected to.

The sicko even resorted to desperate measures when he appeared to murder her dog Piper – leaving Belle devastated, reports the Manchester Evening News.

What’s more, soap legend Moira Dingle (Natalie J. Robb) has sparked worry among fans in the past few weeks over her behaviour. As well as clashing with husband Cain (Jeff Hordley) and acting out of character, Moira has started drinking again, after battling substance abuse three years ago.

Moira’s recent seizure in the barn on Emmerdale has followers of the soap suspecting a possible brain tumour narrative, but fans are fed up with the “doom and gloom” direction of recent plots.

Fans vented their frustrations on social media, with many threatening to stop watching if the show doesn’t lighten up with some happier content. One viewer lamented on an Emmerdale Facebook fan page: “More health issues and sadness it’s depressing.”

Another remarked: “Currently sick of it. Yes I know I can turn off. Might have to.” Echoing the sentiment, a third viewer wrote: “Repeatedly sad doom and gloom absolutely nothing pleasant or nice or happy in any story what so ever get a grip writers.”

A fellow fan expressed: “If they carry on with these dark and depressing storylines I’m going to stop watching all together.” A fifth pleaded: “Omg can we get some happy, cheery and funny storylines, it’s so depressing now.”