ITV has dropped both Coronation Street and Emmerdale from the schedules tonight, just weeks after the broadcaster’s new “soap power hour” was launched.
The serial dramas reduced their weekly output by half an hour last month, so that they could air each weeknight from 8pm. This followed a highly-anticipated crossover episode – dubbed Corriedale – which saw the two fictional worlds combine for one night only.
This isn’t the first time that Corrie and Emmerdale have been shunted to make way for other programmes, with listings being altered just one week into the new broadcast pattern.
There’ll be no Corrie or Emmerdale tonight. ITV
Tonight (3 February), they are replaced by coverage of the EFL Cup.
A match between Arsenal and Chelsea will kick off at 8pm, with Mark Pougatch presenting analysis of the semi-final second-leg tie from Emirates Stadium at 7.30pm.
Fortunately, fans needn’t worry too much: Corrie and Emmerdale will make their comeback in their usual slots on Wednesday. Further disruption is expected on Thursday when ITV airs France v Ireland in the Six Nations Live.
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Speaking after the new schedule on ITV1 was announced, Kevin Lygo, ITV’s Managing Director of Media and Entertainment, said: “The new commissioning pattern is viewer-led. We already give more choice than ever to viewers on how they watch us through ITVX, and we want to present their favourite soap to them in the most digestible way.
“In a world where there is so much competition for viewers’ time and attention, and viewing habits continue to change, we believe this is the right amount of episodes that fans can fit into their viewing schedule, to keep up to date with the shows.”
Fans can also expect disruption later in the week. ITV
Meanwhile, talking about the schedule change during a red carpet appearance for the launch of Corriedale, Emmerdale actor Chris Bisson told Leeds Live: “All the fans have been waiting for the two shows to collide and now we get it to kick off our new schedule on ITV. That ‘soap power hour’.”
He added: “No more moaning that they are shifting Corrie around because of the football and nobody knows when it is on – all that kind of stuff. We all know where we are up to now – 8pm to 9pm everyday of the week.”
Emmerdale airs weeknights at 8pm on ITV1. Coronation Street follows at 8.30pm. Stream on ITVX.
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