ITV are reducing Coronation Street and Emmerdale’s weekly output in 2026, it has been confirmed. Following audience research, bosses have concluded that 30 minute episodes attracted higher audience figures throughout 2024, and as a result, a new broadcast pattern will be adopted from January. This means that Emmerdale will air Monday to Friday from 8pm, with Coronation Street following on the same days at 8:30pm in what has been dubbed as a ‘soap power hour.’.

Consequently, both soaps are cutting one episode per week. The huge changes will be marked with ambitious, never seen before stunts in a week of special episodes. ITV’s Managing Director of Media and Entertainment Kevin Lygo 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. ‘Research insights also show us that soap viewers are increasingly looking to the soaps for their pacey storytelling. Streaming-friendly, 30 minute episodes better provide the opportunity to meet viewer expectations for storyline pace, pay-off and resolution.

‘Whilst viewing is growing on ITVX, we know a significant proportion of our soaps’ audience still watch us via the schedule. This new pattern is in the DNA of the soap genre – nobody else does 30 minute drama this successfully.’. Filming has been suspended across both production sites in Leeds and Trafford, Greater Manchester today. A source told Metro: ‘The move is leading to a wide range of redundancies across all departments.

‘Staff were only told of the temporary studio shutdown yesterday afternoon, and attended a consultation meeting at 10am this morning.’. Lygo continued: ‘It creates a soap power hour that’s consistent, and easy to find in the linear schedule, for the UK’s biggest soaps. ‘This new commissioning pattern will mean five hours of soaps a week, rather than the current six. We are conscious this will have an impact for the people who work on the soaps team. We will support our colleagues in ITV Studios as they work through these changes, and will do what we can to mitigate the impact on our people.

‘These changes are motivated by doing what we believe is best for the continuing success of these important programmes in the long term. Sue Devaney as Debbie Webster. Fans have been left distraught at news of Debbie's upcoming departure, with the character being written out as part of a storyline focusing on dementia. A source told Metro: 'It’s one of the show’s biggest storylines of the year, and a real chance for Sue to finally get her time in the spotlight – it will just be devastating for fans that it will effectively be her final storyline.

‘It’s one of many major storylines new boss Kate Brooks has in the bag, and there will not be a dry eye in the house. ‘There is no doubt in the Corrie family that she will give the performance of a lifetime and make Debbie’s exit one to remember for years.’. Sue Cleaver as Eileen Grimshaw. Loose Women and I'm A Celebrity star Sue has been central to the show for two and a half decades but now she will be saying goodbye.

She confirmed: ‘I’ve had 25 privileged years of working on Coronation Street.’. ‘The door is still firmly open, but as I reached my 60th year, I decided it was time to embrace change, look for new adventures, and live fearlessly.'. Colson Smith as Craig Tinker. After 14 years, Corrie has decided to also write out police officer Craig, with the actor sharing his love for the show on social media following the decision, delivered to him last year.

He said: 'I've loved every single second of my 14-year stay as a resident on the greatest street in the world. I feel incredibly lucky to have grown up in, on and around Coronation Street. 'I've learnt pretty much everything about life from the people who call it home. I'm excited to play out the exit story for our Craigy. For me, this is just the end of the beginning. 'I genuinely can't wait to see what chapter 2 has in store for me. Long live the cobbles!'.

Charlotte Jordan as Daisy Midgeley. After a very busy four years on the show, Daisy is set to leave as part of a currently to-secret explosive storyline, with Charlotte keen to try other projects. She said in a statement: 'My time at Coronation Street is something I’ll always cherish. 'After a brilliant four years for Daisy, it’s time for me to start a new chapter and explore other opportunities. 'It’s been a privilege to be part of a wonderful institution with even more wonderful colleagues who have taught me so much.'.