Emmerdale fans are raging over incidental music in Emmerdale: 'Showing contempt for viewers'

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By Carena Crawford

6 May 2026, 13:05

By Carena Crawford

6 May 2026, 13:05

Emmerdale has taken to utilising incidental music to highlight emotional scenes – but it’s not been a big hit with all fans.

In fact, scenes this week, showing Bear and Paddy on trial and afterwards, have left fans positively furious.

Music in Emmerdale scenes

It’s not a tactic Emmerdale often employs, using music over the top of the actors. It’s more a movie technique. But since Corriedale it has become more obvious that it’s something Emmerdale are trying out.

We had it over the top of much of Corriedale. It was then obvious in the flashback scenes to Ray’s murder. As the black and white clips of previous episodes showed, dramatic music was playing. Once again it took over when Paddy locked Bear away for his own safety.

And also in Janaury it was noticeable when Graham Foster returned to Home Farm. Kim’s opera music was playing in the background with it reaching crescendo as Graham walked in.

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The incidental music kicked in and became louder once again as Graham was arrested at the end of the episode before it rolled into the credits.

Last night (Tuesday May 5) Bear Wolf gave a moving speech about modern slavery after being cleared of murdering Ray. Old clips of him enslaved played as did music over the top.

On some occasions this does serve to heighten the drama – and in the case of Graham revealing himself to Kim and Joe it made it unapologetically camp! And we loved it.

But there are plenty of fans who are not loving it. Not at all.

Fans hit out

A Reddit thread dedicated to people hitting out at the annoying format change, gathered pace earlier this year. “I thought the Hollyoaks-esque background music was a temporary artefact of Corriedale, but it seems it’s here to stay. Is anyone else finding it incredibly irritating?” the thread started.

Others quickly agreed: “I’m also finding it annoying. It’s like they’re wringing out any remaining realism.”

“It shows contempt for viewers, like we’re too thick to understand what emotions we should be feeling,” said another angry fan.

And now fans on X are furious about it once again.

“Emmerdale is becoming unwatchable,” said one. “This stupid music and weird angles. The storylines are rubbish. Is it a drama or a soap? Make your minds up.”

Another agreed: “While Bear is playing a good part, could it drag on any longer. The flashbacks, the music. No wonder I don’t watch Emmerdale as much anymore.”

“Please STOP using background music in the episodes!” said a third. A fourth added: “Please stop this music. It’s just random now.”

A fifth said: “The stupid music in Emmerdale can do one. I wish they’d stop.”

But does the music in Emmerdale have its place?

There are some who think it works pretty well.

One hit back: “I’ll never understand why people complain every time a soap is the slightest bit artistic or creative.”

Another added: “I think it’s good putting intense music in the background like today’s episode.”

So where do you stand?

Read more: Who’s leaving Emmerdale? All the cast exits, arrivals and returns