Published Wednesday, 17 October 2012
Carl King dies after being hit with a brick (© ITV)
Bad boy of the Dales Carl King suffered two blows to the head - first at the hands of Chas Dingle and then, unbeknown to Chas, at the hands of love rival Cameron Murray.
Carl had been blackmailing the former lovers after learning about their affair.
His death was not the only big event to happen in the hour-long episode, which also included two wedding receptions and two births.
Wedded bliss for Chas and Dan Spencer lasted no more than the first 30 minutes, while Katie Sugden enjoyed a marquee reception with new husband Declan Macey.
Elsewhere, Debbie Dingle gave birth to the baby boy she hopes will save her daughter Sarah's life after she developed leukaemia.
Gennie Walker, meanwhile, gave birth to a baby girl on the floor at Chas and Dan's wedding reception.
Because I'm indestructible.
Carl King's last words
Following weeks of rehearsals for the cast, the anniversary episode went smoothly while 27 cameras captured the drama as it unfolded live.
It culminated in the shocking death of Carl which show bosses managed to keep secret.
"The village should be weeping at the simple fact that I'm about to leave", said actor Tom Lister, who played Carl in the soap for almost ten years.
"It's been such a massive part of my life."
He added: "It just seemed a really nice way to end what has been an amazing journey for my character. I could not have asked for a better exit."
Producers say his death will have "major, far-reaching repercussions".
Thursday night's episode will see the drama continue when Carl's body is discovered and the police are called to the village to investigate.