Coronation Street and Emmerdale return to ITV tonight, Sunday August 9, after Friday's schedule changes due to EFL Cup Live coverage. Coronation Street airs at 7:30pm, an hour earlier than its usual 8:30pm slot, while Emmerdale follows at 7pm.
Why were the soaps off air on Friday?
On Friday 7 August, both soaps were pulled from the schedule to make way for live football coverage of Middlesbrough v Wrexham, which kicked off at 8pm and ran from 7:30pm until well past 10pm. As a result, no episodes aired that evening, and neither was released early on ITVX.
ITV's 'power hour' explained
ITV's director of television Kevin Lygo previously commented on the new "power hour" of soaps, saying: "The new commissioning pattern is viewer-led." He added: "We already give more choice than ever to viewers on how they watch us through ITVX and we want to present their favourite soap to them in the most digestible way."
"In a world where there is so much competition for viewers' time and attention, and viewing habits continue to change, we believe this is the right amount of episodes that fans can fit into their viewing schedule to keep up to date with the shows."
"Research insights also show us that soap viewers are increasingly looking to the soaps for their pacey storytelling. Streaming-friendly, 30-minute episodes better provide the opportunity to meet viewer expectations for storyline pace, payoff and resolution."
What to expect in tonight's Coronation Street
This evening's instalment follows Sarah Platt as she faces difficulties behind bars when a menacing-looking prisoner gives her threatening looks, while Bethany Platt visits her mother in jail and is horrified to see bruising on her face.
Separately, Tim Metcalfe panics after Sally Metcalfe returns unexpectedly from her break, having thrown a gathering at their home with distant relative Richie. The situation deteriorates when Richie's spouse kicks him out and he requests somewhere to stay, leading to a shocking murder development later in the week.
In other storylines, Alya Nazir finds herself overwhelmed during a demanding shift at Speed Daal, prompting Idris Nazir to remind her that his proposition remains available and he would gladly purchase her stake in the restaurant.
