Soap fans have been left furious after ITV and the BBC pulled Emmerdale, Coronation Street, and EastEnders from their schedules this week to make way for sporting events, including the Women's Euros and Wimbledon.
Emmerdale, which usually airs an hour-long episode on Thursdays, and EastEnders, typically a 30-minute show, were both absent from Thursday's line-up. Coronation Street, which does not normally air on Thursdays, will also be missing from Friday's schedule due to live football coverage.
Viewers took to social media to express their anger. One fan said: 'Why have we no Emmerdale or Corrie, cause women’s football on ITV? Why can’t the football move to ITV2 or ITVX? Stupid planning.' Another added: 'Some of us rely on soaps for routine and they are the only happy part of our day!'
The disruption continues next week. EastEnders will not return until Wednesday, while Emmerdale resumes on Tuesday at 7.30pm. Coronation Street faces the longest gap, with Monday and Wednesday episodes cancelled, returning on Thursday at 9pm.
