Coronation Street fans have issued a recurring complaint, urging ITV bosses to implement a permanent schedule change for the beloved soap opera.
Dramatic Storylines Interrupted
The ITV soap has been airing several dramatic storylines in recent weeks, including the ongoing investigation into Theo Silverton's murder. Gary Windass appears to be the prime suspect following secret conversations with Sarah Platt, while Carl and Kevin Webster clashed over a gun that Jodie Ramsey later stole. Additionally, Sam Blakeman was sectioned after his hallucinations peaked.
However, these compelling plots have been frequently interrupted by schedule changes as ITV broadcasts FIFA World Cup matches. The tournament began last week, causing both Coronation Street and Emmerdale to be taken off air multiple times.
Return of Hour-Long Specials
After a two-day hiatus, fans tuned into hour-long specials for both soaps last Friday, with Emmerdale at 8pm and Coronation Street at 9pm. Additional hour-long episodes aired on Monday and Tuesday, but neither programme will broadcast again until Friday, when they resume their usual slots.
Despite the disruptions, viewers were delighted by the return of hour-long episodes, which ITV had introduced earlier this year as a soap "power hour." Emmerdale now airs weeknights from 8pm to 8.30pm, followed by Coronation Street from 8.30pm to 9pm.
Fan Reactions
Many fans have taken to social media to express their preference for longer episodes. One viewer wrote on a Facebook fan page: "I hope they make these hour long episodes permanent. I don't like Corrie being 30 mins." Another added: "Can't get used to it. Hour eps are much better than 30 mins." A third commented: "I love them and can really get into most of the scenes. It's going to be rough going back to the half hour episodes."
Other fans shared similar sentiments, with one stating: "I would prefer an hour long every night. I'm just getting into the soaps and they're finished." A fifth echoed: "The hour eps makes it worth watching again," while another said: "Yes I love them. I tend to switch off the 30 mins ones."
Coronation Street airs weekday nights at 8.30pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
