Acting union Equity has warned of a ‘difficult time’ ahead for actors following news that episodes of Coronation Street and Emmerdale are being cut from January 2026.
ITV today confirmed the move to a daily hour of soap airing Monday to Friday after the move, meaning half an hour less of each soap a week.
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.’
According to Equity, they been assured that the move shouldn’t directly impact cast numbers or contracts. However, the union remains concerned, particularly for supporting artists who may lose opportunities.
In a statement, Natalie Barker, Equity TV Official, said: ‘The last 18 months has been a difficult time for UK continuing drama with the cancellation of Doctors and cuts to Hollyoaks.
‘ITV’s announcement today of cuts to episode numbers on Coronation Street and Emmerdale is further cause for concern. ITV have assured us that the reduction from six to five episodes per week on each soap from 2026 will not directly impact the cast or result in changes to pay or contracts.
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‘Equity is in contact with the casts and engaging with ITV to ensure that any potential negative impacts of these changes are minimal.’
She added: ‘We do know that fewer episodes will mean fewer opportunities for work for our members engaged as guest and supporting artists on these productions.
‘This is a significant loss for our members in the North East and North West regions and continues the ongoing trend of fewer opportunities for screen work, especially in the regions and for early career actors.
‘This month sees the launch of Equity’s new committee for Deputies in Continuing Drama where our members across the soaps will be coming together for the first time.
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.’
‘We will work collectively to defend continuing drama and campaign for commitments from the broadcasters to secure the long-term future of these programmes which are so crucial to the health of UK production.’
Metro has reached out to ITV representatives for comment.
Making the announcement, ITV boss Kevin Lygo promised an exciting time ahead for the genre, with the new era being marked with ‘never seen before’ stunts across both shows.
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He added that the move is in response to appetite from viewers for half hour episodes, and confirmed that early releases on ITVX would continue.
Of the impact on teams working on the shows, he said: ‘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.
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‘These changes are motivated by doing what we believe is best for the continuing success of these important programmes in the long term.’
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