ITV's managing director Kevin Lygo has confirmed that Coronation Street and Emmerdale will continue following the broadcaster's agreement to sell its media and entertainment business to Sky.
The deal, announced in July, sees Sky acquire ITVX and ITV's free-to-air channels for up to £1.6 billion. ITV's studio division, which produces shows such as Love Island and I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here, is not included in the agreement. The move aims to create a UK-focused streaming powerhouse to compete with global platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.
Soap Power Hour Success
Speaking at the Edinburgh TV Festival 2026, Lygo addressed the future of the soaps, saying: "These shows will continue." He also highlighted the success of the 'soap power hour' scheduling decision, noting: "They've embedded now, that block at 8pm is still always the highest-viewed thing of that day. It's really important."
Viewers have already seen changes this year, with Coronation Street episodes reduced to 30 minutes and one fewer episode per week. Lygo was also asked about the possibility of another crossover episode following the success of Corriedale earlier this year. He revealed he remains open to ideas, but "it's not something to do on an annual basis".
Sky's Commitment to British Programming
The deal remains subject to shareholder and regulatory approval. Sky's group chief executive Dana Strong commented: "Bringing Sky and ITV Media and Entertainment together combines the very best of free-to-air television, pay TV and streaming, ensuring viewers across the UK continue to enjoy outstanding British programming in a rapidly changing world."
Sky Group also issued a statement noting that "the UK media market is undergoing a profound and rapid transformation, and as competition for audiences intensifies, scale matters more than ever in order to compete with global streaming giants and YouTube in the UK." The statement added that viewers will continue to enjoy shows such as Coronation Street, Emmerdale, Love Island, I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!, This Morning, Loose Women, Lorraine and News at Ten, alongside major live sporting events.
