ITV has announced a significant shake-up to its soap opera schedule, with Coronation Street and Emmerdale facing multiple changes due to the upcoming World Cup. The broadcaster had earlier this year introduced a permanent "soap power hour," airing 30-minute episodes of both soaps back to back from 8pm to 9pm on weekdays, reducing weekly output from six episodes to five each. However, the World Cup, starting in June, is now forcing further adjustments.
World Cup Disruptions
The episodes originally scheduled for Friday 5 June have been pulled because of the Women's World Cup qualifier between Spain and England. These episodes will instead air on Sunday 7 June at 8pm. Neither soap will be broadcast on Tuesday 9 June (due to the Women's European qualifier between England and Ukraine) or Thursday 11 June (due to the World Cup opening ceremony). Additionally, the episode on Wednesday 10 June will air an hour earlier at 7pm.
Bumper Episodes on Friday 12 June
To compensate, ITV will air a special double bill on Friday 12 June. From 8pm to 10pm, viewers can watch two episodes of Emmerdale followed by two episodes of Coronation Street. This catch-up session aims to keep fans up to date despite the disruptions.
World Cup Coverage on ITV
The World Cup begins on 11 June, with ITV sharing broadcasting duties with the BBC. ITV will air the opening match between Mexico and South Africa in Mexico City on Thursday 11 June, as well as England's opening game against Croatia in Dallas. The BBC will broadcast most of England's knockout fixtures if they progress. As is tradition, the final will be shown on both free-to-air channels.
Fans are advised to check their TV schedules carefully to avoid missing their favourite dramas during this period of upheaval.
