1976 was Emmerdale Farm's fifth year in production. This year saw the first major change to the second focal point in the show after Emmerdale Farm, the Woolpack. The pub was found to be suffering from subsidence and new premises was found at the other end of the village. This coincided with the real life move of the village scenes from Arncliffe to Esholt, nearer the Leeds TV studios. This year saw the final appearance of Andrew Burt as Jack Sugden, when the character returned for a few weeks before returning to Rome.
- 13 January, Sam and Sally Skilbeck, Matt's twin children died in a car crash along with Matt's aunty Beattie. Their car had hit a train on a level crossing.
- January, The Woolpack is found to be suffering from subsidence.
- February, the father of Mel Openshaw turned up at Emmerdale Farm wanting to know about his daughter's relationship with Matt Skilbeck.
- February, The old Woolpack building is vacated and the new building in a more central part of the village is occupied in Main Street.
- March, Jack Sugden returned home for a visit. He returned to Rome in May.
- Joe and Christine Sugden divorced. She soon left Beckindale never to return.