Fans of Coronation Street have expressed frustration this week as the ITV soap airs dramatic storylines amid scheduling changes for the FIFA World Cup. The investigation into Theo Silverton's murder intensifies, with Gary Windass as the main suspect after secret talks with Sarah Platt. Meanwhile, Carl and Kevin Webster argue over a gun later stolen by Jodie Ramsey, and Sam Blakeman is sectioned after severe hallucinations.
Schedule Disruptions Spark Fan Backlash
The World Cup coverage has caused multiple schedule shifts, taking Coronation Street and Emmerdale off air. After a two-day break, hour-long specials aired last Friday, with Emmerdale at 8pm and Corrie at 9pm. Further hour-long episodes aired Monday and Tuesday, but both soaps are off until Friday's regular slots.
Fans Prefer Hour-Long Episodes
Viewers have taken to social media to demand permanent hour-long episodes. One fan wrote, 'I hope they make these hour long episodes permanent. I don't like Corrie being 30 mins.' Another said, 'Hour eps are much better than 30 mins.' A third commented, 'I love them and can really get into most of the scenes.'
A fourth added, 'I would prefer an hour long every night. I'm just getting into the soaps and they're finished.' Another fan remarked, 'The hour eps makes it worth watching again,' while someone else shared, 'I tend to switch off the 30 mins ones.'
ITV's Soap Power Hour
ITV introduced a soap 'power hour' earlier this year, with Emmerdale from 8pm to 8.30pm and Corrie from 8.30pm to 9pm. Despite the recent hour-long specials, regular half-hour slots resume Friday. Fans hope the longer format becomes permanent.
Coronation Street airs weekday nights at 8.30pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
