“Coronation Street, Emmerdale Off Air Again Tonight for Second Time This Week”
Tonight, both Coronation Street and Emmerdale will not air their regular episodes on ITV1. This schedule change comes as a result of sports coverage, specifically for the Six Nations rugby match between France and Ireland.
Schedule Changes for Tonight
Normally, Emmerdale is broadcast at 8 PM, followed by Coronation Street at 8:30 PM. However, the match will commence at 8:10 PM, and coverage begins at 7:20 PM, necessitating the soap’s removal from tonight’s lineup.
Impact on Viewers
Earlier this week, soap fans also missed their favorite programs due to a similar scheduling shake-up. Frustration is palpable among viewers who rely on these beloved shows for nightly entertainment.
Return to Screens
- Both shows will resume regular programming tomorrow night.
- Episodes will be available on ITVX starting at 7 AM.
ITV’s New Soap Strategy
At the beginning of 2023, ITV introduced a new pattern for airing the two soaps. Each show now has 30-minute slots during weekday evenings. Kevin Lygo, ITV’s Director of Television, stated that this approach caters to viewer preferences and provides an improved viewing experience.
Viewer Insights
Research indicates that audiences prefer the faster-paced storytelling offered by shorter, 30-minute episodes. ITV aims to meet these changing viewer habits, blending traditional viewing with modern expectations.
The “soap power hour” concept is designed to enhance the viewing experience while keeping the soap format alive and thriving in a competitive landscape.
While tonight’s disruption is unfortunate for fans, the return of both Coronation Street and Emmerdale is only a day away, ensuring that viewers won’t be waiting long for their drama fix.
