Emmerdale and Coronation Street have encountered numerous scheduling changes in recent weeks, and the disruption is set to continue. The soaps have been significantly affected as ITV makes way for live World Cup broadcasts.
Typical Schedule Disrupted
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 screened an hour earlier on Wednesday (June 10), ahead of the England men's squad playing a friendly match against Costa Rica in Orlando, Florida. The disruption continues tonight as well, much to the frustration of devoted soap fans.
Are Emmerdale and Coronation Street on Tonight?
The World Cup officially begins tonight (Thursday, June 11), meaning that both Emmerdale and Coronation Street won't be broadcasting. 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 clash against South Africa, with coverage running from 7.50pm until 10.35pm.
Hour-Long Specials Planned
After not screening for two days 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, June 16, and Tuesday, June 17 at the same times, but neither programme will broadcast again until they resume their usual slots on Friday, June 19.
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!"
Fan Frustration
Soap fans have been quick to express their annoyance over 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 remarked: "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 feeling, declaring: "Sick and tired of the rescheduling of the soaps for football," with someone else adding: "Enough sport channels already. I'm fuming."
Emmerdale and Corrie are both currently airing major storylines involving several cherished 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 in Weatherfield. Emmerdale and Coronation Street will return to ITV1 on Friday, June 12, with hour-long specials at 8pm and 9pm.
