In an unprecedented television event, the worlds of Coronation Street and Emmerdale are set to collide in a dramatic one-off episode that promises to leave at least one character dead. Dubbed 'Corriedale', the explosive hour-long special will air on ITV at 8pm on Monday, January 5th, 2026, and will not be available early on ITVX.
Behind-the-Scenes Clues Hint at Carnage
Newly released behind-the-scenes photos offer a tantalising glimpse into the chaotic crossover, which was filmed over three weeks in October, including a 12-night shoot on a disused road near Harrogate, Yorkshire. While plot details are tightly guarded, it's confirmed a major vehicle crash is at the centre of the drama, with spoilers suggesting multiple fatalities.
Coronation Street star Sally Carman-Duttine (Abi Franklin) teased the episode's impact, stating, "There's a possibility lives will be forever changed." The images reveal several key characters bearing the marks of the collision, sending fan speculation into overdrive.
Who is in the Line of Fire?
The preview snaps suggest numerous characters from both soaps are caught in the wreckage. From Weatherfield, Shona and David Platt are seen with facial cuts, raising urgent questions about the safety of their baby. Steve McDonald appears with a bloodied head, while villain Theo Silverton looks dishevelled in shots with his on-screen boyfriend Todd Grimshaw and Emmerdale's Cain and Moira Dingle.
From the Dales, Aaron Dingle is pictured looking injured alongside Moira and the Platts. Murderer John Sugden also sports a head wound, and Joe Tate is seen wrapped in a dry robe between takes, potentially indicating he's a victim. More ominously, a photo of Carl Webster posing with a crash test dummy wearing his clothes strongly hints he is a casualty.
Unresolved Storylines Collide
The crossover episode picks up threads from both soaps. In Coronation Street, the crash follows the tumultuous wedding of Debbie Webster and Ronnie Bailey, where Carl discovered his sister Debbie had concealed contact with their dying mother. Meanwhile, Carla Connor's fate remains uncertain after she was imprisoned by the vengeful Becky Swain.
In Emmerdale, John Sugden has returned, desperate to win back husband Aaron. The collision threatens to disrupt these simmering plots in the most final way possible.
Julia Goulding (Shona Platt) praised the unique shoot, saying, "There was such a fantastic atmosphere on set... It certainly helped with the night shoots to be able to work with new people." Danny Miller (Aaron Dingle) added, "It's going to be epic and every soap fan's dream."
How to Watch the Aftermath
The build-up begins at 7am on Monday with half-hour episodes of both soaps on ITVX, followed by the regular ITV broadcasts at 7pm and 7.30pm. Immediately after the 'Corriedale' episode at 9pm, fans can dive deeper with the 'Corriedale Backstage Pass' on ITVX, ITV3, and YouTube, featuring exclusive interviews and making-of insights.
