ITV has pulled Emmerdale and Coronation Street from tonight's schedule to air the Manchester United vs Leeds United pre-season friendly instead. The match, kicking off at 7:30pm at Dublin's Croke Park, will be broadcast from 7pm on ITV.
Coverage details and fan reaction
The broadcast will be hosted by Hugh Woozencroft, with Sam Matterface and Lucy Ward on commentary, Michael Brown and John O'Shea providing analysis, and Gabriel Clarke reporting pitchside.
Fans took to social media to express their displeasure. One Emmerdale viewer wrote on X: "That's it for tonight's #Emmerdale!!! NO episode tomorrow due to the football so I'll see you all on Thursday as usual from 8:00pm." Another asked: "Pre-season football on ITV?"
A third fan commented: "Shouldn't be on ITV1. It's a pre-season friendly. Ridiculous. I like football but won't watch it. Remember millions don’t like football and it's during prime time. Shame on you!" A fourth added: "ITV must really be struggling for programmes if they are showing pointless friendly matches at prime time."
Emmerdale storyline continues
This week's Emmerdale episodes are set to be particularly eventful. In the fallout from Sarah accidentally killing Dr. Todd, Charity maintains her false confession to protect her. As Charity tries to catch up with Serena, who's helped them conceal the truth, they are interrupted by DS Ramsden.
Meanwhile, Sarah is conflicted about leaving her husband Jacob in the dark. As Joe leaves for his stag do, he’s unaware that his bride Dawn and her ex Billy are planning to flee. Billy and Dawn are intercepted by Graham, who takes them to a field, where Joe has replaced his stag do with a surprise "sten do" for everyone. As the group prepares for a clay pigeon shoot, Dawn raises her gun towards Joe.
Jimmy and Nicola discover the B&B is in financial distress, so they pin their hopes on a new haulage deal. Things get worse as Ruby orchestrates a robbery of Jimmy's shipment to force him to sell the business to her and Caleb. As Ruby blackmails Kev over his attack on Billy, Kev destroys Caleb's laptop to get rid of the evidence. Later, Billy's shocked when Kev admits he was the attacker, and Ruby and Caleb knew about it.
Tensions rise as Caleb goes back on his word and refuses to help Billy escape until Dawn and Joe's wedding. Elsewhere, Mack and Ross form a truce, and Lewis suggests that Nicola and Jimmy renew their vows.
Coronation Street fans unhappy with new murder plot
Across in Manchester, Corrie viewers have pleaded with bosses as yet another murder storyline kicks off. Last week, viewers were introduced to Richie, the cousin of Tim Metcalfe. Richie was staying with Tim, but he later noticed he'd left his wallet at home, and when he returned from collecting it, his shirt had residues of blood on it.
It later emerged that Richie had been charged with the murder of his wife. Fans were not happy. "Why bring Tim's cousin in just for a murder storyline? It's like they've run out of ideas for Tim & Sally and can't let them be happy," fumed one. A second added: "Can @Itvcorrie stop inventing murders, crimes, etc. for Kit and Lisa to investigate, etc. They could have scenes with neighbours, the factory lot, pub goers, the list goes on and on."
Emmerdale and Coronation Street will resume on Thursday.
