ITV faced a scheduling backlash on Monday night after airing a repeat of the beloved drama Vera immediately following a World Cup match, prompting fury from soap fans who saw their regular episodes of Coronation Street and Emmerdale dropped from the lineup.
World Cup Disrupts Regular Programming
The World Cup, held every four years and broadcast across ITV and the BBC, inevitably disrupts normal TV schedules. While millions tune in for live football, fans of soaps like EastEnders, Coronation Street, and Emmerdale often find their favorite shows postponed or replaced. On Monday evening, ITV prioritized the Brazil vs. Japan match, which kicked off at 6pm. The game saw Japan take an early lead before Casemiro equalized, and Arsenal's Gabriel Martinelli scored a 93rd-minute winner for Brazil, ending at 8.30pm.
Vera Repeat Angers Viewers
Instead of airing the scheduled soap episodes, ITV opted for a series 13 episode of Vera, originally broadcast in January 2024 and featuring Julia Sawalha. The decision sparked complaints on social media. One viewer fumed on X: "@ITV why are you putting Vera on Monday after the football. Why not #corrie & #emmerdale? Absolutely rubbish scheduling again." Another ranted: "VERA???!!! BLOODY VERA???!!! You could easily have slotted Emmerdale and Coronation street in at that time!!! Bloody Vera!!! Ridiculous!!!!"
Mixed Reactions from Fans
However, not all viewers were displeased. One fan praised the repeat: "New favourite program. Brava, Vera Pet." The episode attracted a mix of frustration and appreciation, highlighting the challenge broadcasters face in balancing live sports with regular programming. ChronicleLive, which reported the story, also reminded readers they can set it as a preferred news source on Google and join its WhatsApp community for North East news and events.
