Both Coronation Street and Emmerdale have faced numerous scheduling disruptions in recent weeks, and the changes are set to continue. The soaps have been significantly affected as ITV accommodates live World Cup broadcasts.
Emmerdale and Corrie typically air consecutively during the soap "power hour" each weeknight, with Emmerdale screening from 8pm to 8.30pm, followed by Corrie from 8.30pm to 9pm. However, this wasn't the case on Tuesday (June 9), as neither soap was shown due to the Women's World Cup Qualifier between England and Ukraine. That's not all, as both programmes then aired an hour earlier on Wednesday (June 10), prior to the England men's team playing a friendly fixture against Costa Rica in Orlando, Florida.
The disruption continues tonight as well, much to the annoyance of dedicated soap fans.
Are Emmerdale and Coronation Street on tonight?
The World Cup officially kicks off tonight (Thursday, June 11), which means that both Emmerdale and Coronation Street won't be airing. Instead, ITV audiences can watch the World Cup opening ceremony from 6.15pm, with Mark Pougatch presenting coverage of the first of three ceremonies. This will be followed by Mexico's fixture against South Africa, with coverage running from 7.50pm until 10.35pm.
Following a two-day absence this week, soap fans can anticipate hour-long specials for both ITV soaps on Friday (June 12). Emmerdale will broadcast from 8pm and Coronation Street from 9pm. Additional hour-long episodes are scheduled for Monday, 16th June, and Tuesday, 17th June at the same times, but neither programme will broadcast again until they resume their usual slots on Friday, 19th June.
ITVX recently acknowledged the alterations on social media, stating: "There may be a little disruption to your soap schedule over the next few weeks, but don't worry, we'll keep you informed on when and where to find us. Remember, you can watch each episode from 7am on ITVX & YouTube!"
Soap fans have been quick to express their disappointment amid the ongoing modifications, with one individual posting on a Facebook fan page: "There's no episode today. Fuming." Another commented: "This has ruined my day. What do you mean it's not on?!" while a third said: "I just don't understand. There are so many channels why can't football be on another channel? Not all of us enjoy it." A fourth viewer shared the frustration, saying: "Sick of the rescheduling of the soaps for football," with someone else remarking: "Enough sport channels already. I'm fuming."
Both Emmerdale and Corrie are currently airing major storylines that involve several beloved characters. In the Dales, Charity Dingle (Emma Atkins) has been struggling to cope following her horrific sexual assault, while the investigation into Theo Silverton's (James Cartwright) murder continues on the cobbles.
Emmerdale and Coronation Street will return to ITV1 on Friday, 12th June, with hour-long specials at 8pm and 9pm.
