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.
Coronation Street cast exits - who is going?
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.'
Shelley King as Yasmeen Metcalfe
After 10 years, Yasmeen will be departing the cobbles - and she has already filmed her final scenes in December, so expect her last episode soon.
Metro understands that she won't be killed off.
A show insider has clarified: ‘Shelley spoke to producers early last year and advised that after 10 years on the show and being involved in many major storylines during the past decade she had decided the time has come for her to explore other opportunities.
‘Shelley is an accomplished stage and television actress and we fully understand her desire to take her career in another direction after 10 years playing the same role.
‘She filmed her final scenes in December.’
Paddy Bever as Max Turner
With Paddy having filmed his final scenes, it is expected he will leave in spring.
‘After much reflection and in an incredibly difficult decision, I have chosen to step away from Max, and Coronation Street, to explore new opportunities. I have been surrounded by such kindness and support every step of the way, Paddy, 22, said in a statement.
Talking to The Mirror, he added: ‘It’s been a great privilege to contribute to the legacy of such a well-loved and iconic show. This chapter has been unforgettable and while I look forward to what lies ahead, I will treasure these memories.’
Who is leaving Emmerdale in 2025?
Current Emmerdale stars set to leave the show:
- Roxy Shahidi as Leyla Harding
- Lesley Dunlop as Brenda Walker
- Susan Cookson as Wendy Posner
- Paula Lane as Ella Forster
- Nicholas Day as Anthony Fox
‘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.’
The news comes following reports of a ‘budget crisis’ and a number of cast departures from both of their flagship soaps.
In the past few months, a variety of stars from both shows have either left the show or are due to leave. Corrie and Emmerdale also both failed to reach the Christmas Day Top 10 viewing figures.
Rival soap EastEnders managed to make the list – with two outings coming in at 5th and 8th place.
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A number of Corrie cast members are now on ‘guest contracts’, such as Evelyn Plummer actress Maureen Lipman and Tracy McDonald favourite Kate Ford.
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It was also said that bosses had to cut funding for an annual Christmas party, leaving both on and off screen crew miffed following a ‘difficult year.’
Last year, Channel 4’s Hollyoaks led the way with similar changes that resulted in two episodes being dropped per week. They also moved to a streaming-first model.
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ITV will follow suit by continuing to add instalments of Corrie and Emmerdale to ITVX at 7am each morning.
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