Coronation Street fans are experiencing continued disruption to the usual ITV schedule as the 2026 FIFA World Cup takes precedence. The long-running soap, which had settled into a 'soap power hour' alongside Emmerdale since January, is now airing irregularly due to football coverage.
Next Episodes and Schedule Changes
According to current TV guides, the next Coronation Street episode will air on Tuesday, June 30, at 8.45pm for an hour, preceded by Emmerdale at 7.45pm. On Wednesday, July 1, half-hour episodes return, but air earlier at 7.45pm (Emmerdale at 7.15pm). No further episodes are scheduled for Thursday, July 2, or Friday, July 3, as World Cup matches dominate the evening lineup.
Last week, Coronation Street aired only on Monday (June 22) and Tuesday (June 23) at 9.30pm for half an hour, and Thursday (June 25) for an hour from 9pm. The schedule changes have caused confusion among viewers eager for their regular fix of Weatherfield drama.
Megan Walsh Trial Takes Centre Stage
This week's episodes feature the highly anticipated trial of Megan Walsh. The storyline sees Maggie Driscoll, Ben Driscoll, and Eva Price shocked when Megan's mother, Janine Walsh, arrives at the pub. Janine apologizes for her daughter's behavior and offers to help, but the trio orders her out. Later, Janine returns to Megan's car, where Megan breaks down, claiming Will took advantage of her when she was vulnerable. Janine then approaches Will on the street, leaving viewers wondering her intentions.
At the Rovers, the Driscoll family fusses over a nervous Will as he prepares for court. Meanwhile, Sam Blakeman worries at the mental health unit that Megan might be found not guilty and seek revenge. In court, Will's pre-recorded statement plays, but when his barrister questions him, he meets Megan's steely gaze. Ben takes the stand and is cross-examined by Adam Barlow, while Megan portrays herself as the victim, questioning Ben's parenting.
Later, Will tearfully confesses to Tim that he has messed everything up. He tells his family that if allowed to testify again, he wants to tell the full truth. When he enters the witness box and faces Megan, viewers will see if he goes ahead. The Driscolls return home and inform Ollie that Megan's fate is now in the hands of the jury.
Viewer Impact
ITV's scheduling changes due to the World Cup have been a source of frustration for dedicated soap fans. The network previously cited changing viewing habits when introducing the 'soap power hour' in January, but the current disruption highlights the challenge of balancing live sports with regular programming. Viewers are advised to check TV guides for updates as the tournament progresses.
