Coronation Street executive producer Iain MacLeod has confirmed that a beloved character will be killed off as part of a historic crossover with Emmerdale in early 2026. The decision has sparked arguments among the show's writers, according to MacLeod.
Speaking to the Daily Star, MacLeod said: 'The soap gods demand a sacrifice when you have an event of this kind. Sometimes the biggest and best exits are for characters that you care the most about. It's going to be shocking. There will be lots of trauma, drama and twists.'
MacLeod admitted that the decision to axe the character has been difficult, adding: 'There's always that equation where you think, “If they were to go, the viewers will really care, but what damage will it do to the landscape of the show?” It's a big responsibility, so we do agonise about it quite a lot and argue about it.'
The crossover episode, which will air as part of ITV's new 'power hour' of soaps, will see characters from both shows interact in a self-contained story. The producer teased that the episode will feature major storylines coming to a head, with 'fairly shocking twists' and 'our foot to the floor'.
Following the special, Coronation Street will air at 8.30pm and Emmerdale at 8pm on ITV1 and STV, returning to their normal 30-minute slots.
