Coronation Street and Emmerdale fans can finally enjoy a consistent weeknight schedule as the ITV soaps return to their regular slots following the conclusion of the FIFA World Cup 2026. Spain defeated Argentina in the final on Sunday, July 19, ending weeks of schedule disruptions that had left viewers with hour-long episodes, Sunday instalments, and varying air times.
Regular Schedule Returns
According to TV guides, both soaps will air every weeknight this week, with Emmerdale at 8pm and Coronation Street at 8:30pm. Additionally, fans can expect both shows at their usual times on Sunday, July 26. This regular schedule comes after a period of chaos that began when ITV introduced a "soap power hour" earlier this year, featuring 30-minute episodes of both soaps each weeknight. The format was interrupted by the World Cup, which prompted a mix of schedule changes.
The Corriedale Crossover
The new schedule initially kicked off with a dramatic Corriedale crossover that claimed the lives of Coronation Street's Billy Mayhew and Emmerdale's serial killer John Sugden, who had a "hero complex." This event was part of ITV's promise to deliver a spectacular soap viewing experience.
ITV's Billion-Pound Deal
The schedule normalization follows ITV's announcement of a sale of its media and entertainment arm to Sky for up to £1.6 billion. The deal, which has been in talks since late last year, 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 excludes its production arm, ITV Studios, which produces shows like I'm a Celebrity and Mr Bates Vs The Post Office.
ITV Studios will become a "pure-play global content business" with shares listed on the London Stock Exchange, and it will have a long-term agreement to supply content to the combined Sky and ITV. This includes popular programmes such as Love Island, Coronation Street, and Emmerdale, ensuring their continued availability to viewers.
