ITV has confirmed a shake-up to the broadcast schedules of its flagship soaps, Coronation Street and Emmerdale, to make way for live coverage of the FIFA World Cup. The alteration means fans of the long-running dramas will need to pay close attention to television listings to ensure they do not miss any episodes.
The scheduling adjustments are a common occurrence during major sporting events, with broadcasters prioritising live sports, which often attract large audiences. While specific new timings have not yet been fully detailed by ITV, the announcement signals that the familiar evening slots for both programmes are likely to be disrupted throughout the tournament.
Coronation Street, set in the fictional Greater Manchester borough of Weatherfield, and Emmerdale, based in the Yorkshire Dales, consistently rank among the UK's most-watched programmes. Their regular broadcast patterns are a staple for millions of viewers, and any changes, even temporary, can cause confusion for dedicated fans.
Historically, when major sporting events clash with regular programming, channels often resort to airing episodes on alternative days, providing double bills, or shifting broadcast times significantly earlier or later. It is expected that ITV will communicate the precise new timings for each episode closer to the World Cup's commencement.
The decision underscores the immense draw of international football tournaments for broadcasters, often leading to a temporary reorganisation of entire schedules across their channels. Viewers are encouraged to check ITV's official website, their TV guide, or digital programme information for the most up-to-date broadcast information as the World Cup approaches.