ITV's decision to axe Coronation Street and Emmerdale episodes signifies a huge change. It was recently announced that the two northern soap operas will face a major shake-up in the next year. Currently, Emmerdale airs weekdays at 7.30pm for half an hour, with a special hour-long episode airing on a Thursday. Meanwhile, Coronation Street airs Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays for one hour at 8pm. It has now been confirmed, from 2026, Coronation Street and Emmerdale will both change times. From January, there will be a soap 'power hour', with Emmerdale airing for half an hour each day at 8pm and Coronation Street straight after at 8.30pm each day, again for half an hour, as the drama from the Cobbles returns to its daily offerings.

The episodes will also be uploaded to ITVX at 7am each morning. With millions of viewers tuning into soaps each night, insiders are warning that this move could be the first major crack in Corrie’s structure, potentially altering the landscape of serial dramas for good. ITV has branded this change as a “soap power hour,” airing back-to-back episodes. ITV’s director of television, Kevin Lygo, justified the move, explaining that research indicates soap viewers prefer “pacey storytelling.” Shorter, streaming-friendly episodes are designed to cater to modern viewing habits.

A Corrie source has told The Sun: "Losing the primetime 7pm and 7.30pm slots in the schedule, losing those hallmark hour-long episodes, it all adds up to a feeling that we’re are being sidelined and it’s devastating. We’re all tremendously worried. We understand 30-minute episodes will whip along and feel exciting and cut some of the waffle but some fans love that waffle.". They went on to add that the characters are often like friends to those who tune into the soap opera , adding: "They feel like the characters are their friends and so those seemingly duller moments in the cafe are important. It can’t all be trauma and stunts and affairs and deaths. And we hate the idea that people can just binge five episodes at the weekend.

"What’s the point in cliffhangers and tense endings that people can discuss with their friends the next day and look forward to the next episode. It’s stopping us being event TV and turning us into background noise.". The launch of the new 2026 schedule is set to be a dazzling affair, as both Coronation Street and Emmerdale gear up for an audacious stunt that's never been attempted before during a week of special episodes. Insights from research indicate that 30-minute episodes garnered higher audiences in 2024, offering more manageable chunks of drama that align better with evolving viewing patterns.

Meanwhile, ITV boss Kevin Lygo explained his decision behind the move, saying: "This new commissioning pattern will mean five hours of soaps a week, rather than the current six. Research insights 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.".

The Sun has previously reported on financial pressures at Corrie, as well as major departures, including Sue Cleaver and Colson Smith. Other stars are also said to be leaving due to issues with pay-per-appearance contracts. Follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads . Don't miss out on the biggest soaps gossip! Get a daily email direct to your inbox with our newsletter.