The series producer, who is hoping to clean up at the British Soap Awards on Saturday, has been dogged by rumours about low morale and unrest ever since taking over from Kathleen Beedles in January.

But Anita, who has also worked on Coronation Street, said that the atmosphere on set was brilliant.

And she said her partner found it "hilarious" that she was nicknamed "Anita Turn-off" after axing stars like Chris Villiers (Grayson Sinclair) and Richard Grieve (Jonny Foster).

Click the green play buttons to hear Anita Turner on her arrival in Emmerdale, her nickname "Anita Turn-off", the British Soap Awards and the show's 5,000th episode. The second clip is Anita on Antony Worrall Thompson and the third is Anita on Clive Hornby's long-term absence.

She said: "It's such a family atmosphere.

"I haven't experienced it anywhere else.

"The cast have been fantastic, coming up to me and saying 'it's not true, it's not true'".

"It means an awful lot. I do take it all with a pinch of salt; I think that's the game really.

"My partner thinks it's hilarious so I just keep smiling."

Anita, who has worked in TV for more than 20 years, is hoping for success at this weekend's British Soap Awards.

Emmerdale is up for 11 gongs, including Best Single Episode for baby Daniel's tragic cot death.

The show will also celebrate its 5,000th episode in June, with Eric Pollard and Val Lambert tying the knot in "true Emmerdale style", as well as a special appearance from TV chef Antony Worrall Thompson.

She said: "The cot death storyline just breaks my heart every single time. That is gold standard for me.

"Len Reynolds' death is also nominated and I think those two really epitomise what Emmerdale does best.

"It can take those gritty, difficult stories and bring real heart and truth to them.

"For the 5,000th, there is also a lot of humour and that is very much reflective of my taste."

The producer also cleared up gossip about long-serving actor Clive Hornby (Jack Sugden), who is currently on long-term sick leave.

According to rumours, the 63-year-old will not return to the show, but Anita said: "I am constantly talking to him about whether he might come back.

"He's still poorly, bless his socks, but those negotiations are still very much alive."

l Lines re-open today in the Best Soap category at the British Soap Awards. To vote for Emmerdale, visit www.britishsoapawards.tv, call 09016 16 2008 or text SOAP EMMERDALE to 63339.