Emmerdale marked a major milestone in the latest episode as an iconic farm's original family finally reclaimed it after 20 years.

The installment airs tonight at 8pm on ITV1, although it is already available to stream on ITVX.

In Wednesday's episode, Moira Dingle (Natalie J. Robb) reluctantly sold her beloved Butler's Farm over to the Tate family.

Soon after, Joe Tate (Ned Porteous) enlisted Robert Sugden (Ryan Hawley) to run the land - following an agreement between the two.

It means the ITV soap's legendary Sugden family return to the land for the first time in many years.

With Robert and his partner Aaron Dingle (Danny Miller) as the new tenant farmers, there are some changes in store.

Determined to follow in father Jack Sugden's (Clive Hornby) footsteps - and to honour his family legacy - Robert and Aaron reintroduce the dug up old farm sign, renaming Butler's Farm to 'Emmerdale Farm'.

Emmerdale producer Laura Shaw said: 'The Sugdens have always been at the centre of our village, having been the original farming family when Emmerdale was first created. 

'This return to the farm’s roots is a powerful moment, echoing the early drama that unfolded when Annie Sugden and her sons, Jack and Joe, farmed the land. 

'Taking over the tenancy, grandson Robert wants to do his best and make his dad proud.'

She continued: 'With his loyal partner Aaron, they are ready for this new chapter and committed to making the farm thrive. 

'Farming remains a vital presence in Emmerdale, providing a daily dose of excitement and fresh air for our audience.'

Elsewhere, Cain Dingle (Jeff Hordley) focuses on securing new land for himself and wife Moira - so she may continue her farming career.

And with two farms soon flourishing in the village - Emmerdale Farm and the new Dingle Farm - it’s a legacy that Annie Sugden would be proud of.

Furthermore, having to sell their cherished farm marks the latest cruel setback for Cain and Moira.

Heartbreaking scenes aired earlier this year saw soap stalwart Cain diagnosed with prostate cancer.

The hardman, who has featured in Emmerdale for over two decades, learns he has an aggressive, yet localised, form of the cancer after getting checked. 

He was left overwhelmed by the diagnosis, as well as the potential side effects of the treatment plan recommended by specialists. 

Cain was seen cutting the consultation short and leaving the doctors after it all became too much for him to handle. 

A special episode, dedicated to the storyline, drew focus on Cain's inner thoughts, telling the story from his perspective. 

Cain was seen struggling to process the news, causing mounting denial and anger that sees him clash with anyone who comes across his path. 

The episodes focusing on Cain's diagnosis have been made in conjunction with Prostate Cancer UK - who helped the Emmerdale scriptwriters in the conception of the storyline for authenticity and realism.

Actor Jeff Hordley said: 'I feel really honoured to be given this storyline and I am excited for the challenges it is already throwing at me. 

'This is the first proper illness my character, Cain, has been given and I want to play my part in making sure the audience can relate to the journey so many families unfortunately have to navigate.'

Meanwhile, another dramatic storyline has seen Moira locked up in prison - for a crime she didn't commit.

Late villains Celia Daniels (Jaye Griffiths) and Ray Walters (Joe Absolom) were running a sex-trafficking operation under her nose.

Following their deaths - and the discovery of two bodies on her land - Moira has been imprisoned for her alleged involvement in the crimes.

But will justice prevail to see her soon released?

Emmerdale airs on ITV1 and is available to stream on ITVX.