Emmerdale and Coronation Street have been hit by a series of schedule changes as ITV clears airtime for live World Cup broadcasts, much to the dismay of loyal soap viewers. The disruption, which has already seen both soaps moved or cancelled multiple times, is set to continue.
Why are Emmerdale and Corrie not airing?
Typically, Emmerdale and Coronation Street air back-to-back in ITV's nightly soap 'power hour', with Emmerdale from 8pm to 8.30pm followed by Corrie from 8.30pm to 9pm. However, on Tuesday, June 9, neither soap was shown due to the Women's World Cup Qualifier between England and Ukraine. The following night, both dramas aired an hour earlier to accommodate a friendly match between England and Costa Rica.
Tonight, Thursday, June 11, the World Cup officially begins, meaning both soaps are once again absent from the schedule. Instead, ITV will broadcast the opening ceremony from 6.15pm, followed by Mexico versus South Africa from 7.50pm until 10.35pm.
When will Emmerdale and Corrie return?
After a two-day hiatus, fans can look forward to hour-long specials on Friday, June 12. Emmerdale will air from 8pm, followed by Coronation Street at 9pm. Additional hour-long episodes are scheduled for Monday, June 16, and Tuesday, June 17, at the same times. However, the soaps will not air again until they resume their regular slots on Friday, June 19.
ITVX addressed the disruptions on social media, stating: 'There may be a little disruption to your soap schedule over the next few weeks, but don't worry, we'll keep you informed on when and where to find us. Remember, you can watch each episode from 7am on ITVX & YouTube!'
Fan reactions
Soap fans have expressed their frustration online. One viewer wrote on a Facebook fan page: 'There's no episode today. Fuming.' Another added: 'This has ruined my day. What do you mean it's not on?!' A third commented: 'I just don't understand. There are so many channels why can't football be on another channel? Not all of us enjoy it.' Others echoed the sentiment, with one saying: 'Sick of the rescheduling of the soaps for football,' and another adding: 'Enough sport channels already. I'm fuming.'
Current storylines
Both soaps are currently airing major storylines. In Emmerdale, Charity Dingle (played by Emma Atkins) is struggling after a horrific sexual assault, while Coronation Street continues its investigation into the murder of Theo Silverton (James Cartwright).
Emmerdale and Coronation Street will return to ITV1 on Friday, June 12, with hour-long specials at 8pm and 9pm.
