Coronation Street fans face disappointment as the ITV soap is replaced tonight (Friday 7 August) by EFL Cup Live football, featuring Middlesbrough v Wrexham with kick-off at 8pm. The football coverage is anticipated to run from 7.30pm to 10.25pm.
No early ITVX release
This regrettably means there will be no early release episode on ITVX owing to the football taking over tonight's slot. The Manchester-based programme usually broadcasts Monday to Friday at 8.30pm on ITV, with episodes also available to stream from 7am on ITVX.
Soaps return Sunday
On a positive note, the soaps make their comeback on Sunday (August 9), with Coronation Street broadcasting an hour earlier than normal at 7.30pm, and Emmerdale preceding it at 7.00pm.
Fan frustration
Soap enthusiasts have expressed their frustration on social media, with one viewer saying: "Thought things would go back to normal after the World Cup ended? Unfortunately there's no Emmerdale or Coronation Street this Friday as the Carabao Cup airs on ITV1."
Another account responded: "Oh for god's sake it's a joke", while a different viewer posted: "That didn't last long being football free did it" and another soap fan added: "Football should have its own channel! ! ! !".
Emmerdale also affected
The football is also affecting Emmerdale, as the ITV soap normally airs before Coronation Street at 8pm during ITV's soap "power hour". Tonight, however, it has likewise been replaced by the EFL Cup Live.
ITV defends new soap schedule
Commenting previously on the new "power hour" of soaps, Kevin Lygo, director of television at ITV, said: "The new commissioning pattern is viewer-led."
"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."
Coronation Street airs Monday to Friday at 8:30pm on ITV and ITVX.
