ITV has unleashed the first explosive trailer for a landmark event in British television history: the unprecedented crossover episode between Coronation Street and Emmerdale. Dubbed 'Corriedale', the special is scheduled to hit screens in early January 2026, and the newly released sneak peek promises an unmissable hour of drama.
A Trans-Pennine Collision of Soap Titans
The gripping first look centres on the terrifying aftermath of a major crash located outside Hotten, the fictional Yorkshire village from Emmerdale. In a shocking twist, it appears residents from Weatherfield have travelled across the Pennines, with characters from both iconic shows featuring in the chaotic clip.
Confirmed faces from the Dales include Liam Cavanagh (Jonny McPherson) and Aaron Dingle (Danny Miller). Meanwhile, Coronation Street legends swapping the Cobbles for the countryside are David Platt (Jack P. Shepherd), Tracy Barlow (Kate Ford), and Lisa Swain (Vicky Myers).
Lasting Consequences and a Major Death
ITV's official press release warns that the crash is just the beginning, sparking "fear, murderous intent, death, destruction, closely-guarded secrets, and lies." The network boldly states that life in both Emmerdale and Weatherfield will be changed forever.
In a chilling revelation, ITV Executive Producer Iain MacLeod confirmed that an iconic Coronation Street character will be killed off as a result of the event. "The soap gods demand a sacrifice when you have an event of this kind," he told the Daily Star. "Sometimes the biggest and best exits are for characters that you care the most about. It's going to be shocking."
MacLeod admitted the decision has caused significant debate, saying producers "agonise about it quite a lot and argue about it," weighing viewer impact against the damage to the show's landscape.
Filming and a New Soap Power Hour
Filming for the ambitious crossover began in October, following the initial announcement back in May. MacLeod described a "massive buzz" on both the Manchester and Leeds production sites and called the episode "mind-blowing, historical and unmissable."
The 'Corriedale' episode will also herald a new scheduling era for ITV. It marks the start of a consolidated soap power hour, with Emmerdale airing at 8pm and Coronation Street at 8:30pm each weekday. This special is designed as a self-contained story, but its dramatic fallout will create permanent links between the two communities, with familiar faces departing and new characters arriving in both serials.
