Coronation Street and Emmerdale undergo major changes as ITV confirms new soaps schedule
The announcement "will have an impact for the people who work on the soaps team".
ITV has announced major changes coming to the schedules of both its flagship soap operas, Coronation Street and Emmerdale, which will come into effect from the beginning of 2026.
As of next year, the soaps will be comprised exclusively of half-hour episodes broadcast every weeknight, resulting in a total output for both programmes of five hours per week (representing a one-hour reduction from their current combined duration).
The introduction of a standardised runtime, which puts a stop to the longer episodes that Corrie and Emmerdale fans have grown accustomed to, will also mean that both shows can share a single "power hour" for their ITV1 broadcast.
In 2026, the two soaps will air consecutively between 8pm and 9pm on weekdays, with Emmerdale going first and Coronation Street following, meaning that the former will no longer be directly clashing with BBC One's EastEnders.
ITV executive Kevin Lygo said: "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.
By entering your details you are agreeing to our terms and conditions and privacy policy. You can unsubscribe at any time.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
"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."
Lygo continued: "This new pattern is in the DNA of the soap genre... It creates a soap power hour that's consistent, and easy to find in the linear schedule, for the UK’s biggest soaps."
However, the broadcaster's managing director of media and entertainment also warned that reducing the overall output of Emmerdale and Coronation Street will "impact" the staff of both shows.
He explained: "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."
Lygo added: "These changes are motivated by doing what we believe is best for the continuing success of these important programmes in the long term.
"They also create headroom in the overall programme budget for investment in programming that can help ITV grow reach in a very, very competitive market."
Coronation Street and Emmerdale air weekdays on ITV1 and ITVX.
Check out more of our Soaps coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Authors
David Craig is the Senior Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering the latest and greatest scripted drama and comedy across television and streaming. Previously, he worked at Starburst Magazine, presented The Winter King Podcast for ITVX and studied Journalism at the University of Sheffield.