Soap fans have expressed fury over constant schedule changes caused by World Cup football coverage, with many taking to social media to vent their frustrations. Coronation Street, Emmerdale, and EastEnders, the UK's flagship soaps for decades, have seen their regular broadcast times disrupted as matches take precedence on BBC and ITV.
Fans Demand Consistency
One fan raged on social media: "It does my head in that things get moved for football. We are not all fans." Another commented: "I do not understand in an age of stream everything why do soaps have to miss days? Surely boomers like me can stream." A third viewer pleaded: "Please ITV can we upload episodes onto ITVX at the beginning of the week and not have this malarkey going on! It's very stressful for people like me who are autistic and need routine."
Some fans suggested compromises: "Can't we just miss the soaps only when England plays," one viewer proposed, while another insisted: "Football should go on the sports channels because that's what it's classified as, so put it on there, you're going to get the same figures."
The Impact on Viewing Habits
Despite the availability of catch-up and streaming services, episodes are only released on the day they are broadcast, meaning fans must wait if a soap is pulled off air. EastEnders, which began in 1985 as a twice-weekly serial, now airs four times a week (Monday to Thursday). Coronation Street, the world's longest-running TV soap since 1960, has evolved from twice-weekly to six episodes a week in the 2010s, before being reduced to five half-hour slots amid ITV budget cuts last year. These slots are part of a "soap power hour" with Emmerdale, which also saw a Corriedale crossover to mark the occasion.
Poll: Should Soaps Be Taken Off Air for Football?
Mirror readers are debating whether it's acceptable for soaps to be pulled off air for football. Take our poll and have your say on whether the schedule changes are justified or if soaps should take priority.
