Viewers have praised last night's hour-long crossover special between Coronation Street and Emmerdale, dubbing it the 'single best episode of soap' ever aired. The episode, which aired on ITV1, featured a catastrophic car pile-up that left two characters dead and several injured.
The drama unfolded when Coronation Street's Becky, driving ex-police officer Lisa Swain against her will, crashed into Emmerdale's Aaron Dingle, who was holding a gun to former lover John Sugden. More vehicles, including a drunk driver and a bus driven by vicar Billy Mayhew, then collided with the wreckage.
Billy Mayhew tragically died after being trapped in his bus seat by Theo Silverton as the vehicle burst into flames. John Sugden was also found dead in the woods, with his sister Victoria standing over his body. Fans took to social media to express their shock and admiration, with one writing: 'I think that was the single best episode of a soap I’ve ever seen in my life.'
However, many viewers complained about the episode's dark lighting, making it difficult to see what was happening. One fan tweeted: 'Me trying to figure out who everyone is in the dark #corriedale.' Another added: 'The nation trying to see who is dying in the darkness #Corriedale.'
Despite the complaints, the special was widely celebrated, with some fans suggesting the two soaps should merge permanently. Coronation Street and Emmerdale continue tonight at 8pm and 8:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
