Emmerdale will unleash a surprise Neighbours tribute next week as Lydia Dingle’s Christmas story escalates. With the Australian soap airing its final episode on Thursday (11 December), the Dales will see the appearance of a familiar face, ‘Especially for You’.

Recent episodes have seen Sam Dingle trying to get his hands on Jason Donovan concert tickets as a magical Christmas gift for his wife Lydia. His first attempt to secure the cash to buy the tickets got him fired from his job, as Joe Tate realised he was stealing trees from Home Farm.

Desperate Sam then fell victim to a nasty online scam when he used a dodgy link to pay for some ‘VIP’ tickets from Tracy Robinson. He later discovered his neighbour’s phone had been hacked and all of his money was gone.

Upcoming episodes will see Sam telling his wife the devastating truth about their financial issues when he finds her excitedly preparing for the concert. The pair join forces as they attempt another money-making scheme to save their Christmas.

Next week, Sam plans a dodgy shoot on Home Farm land in order to make some quick cash. He hands out rifles for his party guests to hunt game on the grounds.

Meanwhile, annoyed by the stingy raffle donation and Joe’s treatment of Sam, Lydia agrees to distract Kim Tate at the Christmas Fayre. However, Kim has planned a big surprise for her friend and demands she heads over to the event.

When Lydia arrives at the Woolpack, she is gobsmacked to see her idol Jason Donovan in front of her very eyes. The Australian singer and Neighbours star performs a private concert in the pub, making Lydia’s dreams come true.

The scenes, airing on Thursday 11 December, are a fitting tribute to Neighbours which will air its final episode that same day, marking an end to its 40-year run. Digital Spy understands that the timing of the cameo is coincidental, but Jason’s appearance will be a delightful nod to the long-running soap.

Meanwhile, back on the farm, things go predictably wrong for Sam when Vanessa Woodfield notices the dodgy shoot and tips Kim off. The businesswoman heads over to investigate but is left in grave danger after being hit by a stray bullet.

Will someone discover her in time, or will her calls for help fall on deaf ears?