Coronation Street and Emmerdale fans can enjoy a slightly more regular fix of their favourite programmes this week as the end of ITV's schedule shake-up for the World Cup looms. Viewers have grown accustomed to their daily drama fix from the cobbles and the Dales after Corrie and Emmerdale became part of a 'soap power hour' on ITV back in January. The major schedule change meant half-hour episodes have since been airing for each show every weeknight, which the network said at the time was because 'viewing habits continue to change'.
World Cup Coverage Disrupts Soap Schedule
However, more recently, Corrie and Emmerdale fans have been treated to the previous hour-long episodes, which come amid ongoing changes due to coverage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, taking place across America, Canada, and Mexico. This week's soap schedule has now been confirmed, ahead of the football competition ending this Sunday (July 19), with England among those fighting for a spot in the final, alongside Argentina, France, and Spain.
Both Emmerdale and Coronation Street have been pulled from ITV's schedule on Tuesday (July 14) but will air on Monday (July 13) in their usual slot, from 8pm to 9pm. To make up for Tuesday's missing episodes due to coverage of Spain vs France, Emmerdale will air at 8pm on Wednesday (July 15) for an hour, while Corrie will follow afterwards at 9pm until 10pm. On Thursday (July 16) and Friday (July 17), Corrie and Emmerdale fans can enjoy their usual half-hour episodes as normal.
ITV's Billion-Pound Deal Secures Soap Future
It comes after ITV confirmed what its new billion-pound deal means for its two beloved soaps. Earlier this month, ITV agreed to sell its media and entertainment arm to Sky for up to £1.6 billion, following months of talks. The companies said the deal will combine the division with Sky to create a major competitor to global streaming giants. The sale includes ITV’s terrestrial TV channels and streaming service ITVX but does not include its production arm, ITV Studios, which makes shows including I’m A Celebrity and Mr Bates Vs The Post Office.
ITV Studios will become a "pure-play global content business" with its shares listed on the London Stock Exchange following the sale, and a long-term agreement to supply content to the newly combined Sky and ITV, according to the broadcaster. This includes programmes popular with the British public like Love Island, as well as Corrie and Emmerdale.
