
Emmerdale and Coronation Street Hit by Major Schedule Shake-Up Amid ITV Budget Cuts
Big changes are coming to two of the UK's most beloved soaps, Emmerdale and Coronation Street , as ITV rolls out a dramatic schedule shake-up in response to budget cuts. If you're a die-hard fan, brace yourself—this shift will definitely take some getting used to.
Currently, both soaps air six episodes per week, with Emmerdale spanning Monday to Friday, plus a double episode on Thursdays. Meanwhile, Coronation Street follows a similar pattern with double bills on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. But now, ITV has announced that both soaps will be trimmed down to just five episodes per week, each lasting 30 minutes. That’s a 17% reduction in screen time—meaning fewer dramatic showdowns, heartbreaks, and explosive twists each week.
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So, what’s the plan? ITV is introducing a dedicated "soaps power hour," with Emmerdale airing at 8 PM and Coronation Street following at 8:30 PM from Monday to Friday. While this might feel like a shake-up, the network insists it’s a strategic move designed to better align with changing viewer habits. ITV research found that 30-minute episodes tend to attract higher audiences, making the new format easier to digest for fans balancing busy schedules. And don’t worry—episodes will still be available on ITVX from 7 AM on the day of transmission for those who prefer to watch at their convenience.
Of course, this change doesn’t come without consequences. Reports suggest that cast and crew members are feeling uneasy, with whispers of potential job cuts circulating behind the scenes. Some of the show’s younger actors are said to be particularly concerned, fearing they could be written out to make room for veteran stars like Bill Roache and Jack P. Shepherd. An insider even claimed there's a WhatsApp group buzzing with speculation about who might be next on the chopping block.
But it's not all bad news. To mark the start of the revamped schedule in 2026, ITV is planning an ambitious, never-before-seen stunt week for both soaps. Details are still under wraps, but expect high-stakes drama—think fiery disasters, edge-of-your-seat action, and possibly even life-or-death situations. Coronation Street has already set the tone with a dramatic house fire at the Platts’, while Emmerdale is gearing up for a chilling, suspense-filled storyline featuring two limousines, a frozen lake, and a night of pure chaos.
ITV’s Managing Director of Media and Entertainment, Kevin Lygo, reassured fans that this decision is driven by viewer preferences. He explained that shorter, more fast-paced episodes will deliver better storytelling, ensuring both soaps remain engaging and relevant in an era of fierce competition for audiences' attention. Lygo also acknowledged the impact this change will have on the people working behind the scenes, promising that ITV will support its teams through the transition.
Still, it’s clear that ITV’s financial challenges are playing a big role in these adjustments. Rising production costs and declining advertising revenue have forced the network to tighten its belt. Some sources even suggest that trimming soap airtime could free up funds for other programming investments. But for the fans, the real concern is whether this move will maintain—or possibly even enhance—the magic of Emmerdale and Coronation Street .
So, what do you think? Will this new "soaps power hour" make it easier to keep up with the drama, or does it feel like a cut too deep? Either way, change is coming, and all we can do now is wait and see how it unfolds.
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