ITV announce huge Coronation Street and Emmerdale schedule change – but fans are far from happy
Fans are said to be far from impressed at the decision
In a bold move that has divided opinion, ITV has confirmed Coronation Street and Emmerdale episodes will be made available to stream hours before they air on TV. The move means people will no longer have to wait until the evening to watch the soaps.
The move, known as the ‘soap drop’ will come into effect on Monday, October 14 on ITVX. It will see episodes of Corrie and Emmerdale appear online from 7am on the day of transmission instead of their scheduled airings of 7.30pm or 8pm respectively, reports the Mirror.
However, the move has divided opinion with many said to be unhappy at the ‘soap drop’ move. One said: “Yes EastEnders does it but the BBC are not chasing viewership in peak time for advertisers. This will split the viewers and have spoilers 12 hours before watching in the evening.”
Others were fearful of spoilers leaking online due to the ITVX streaming move. One said: “Great. Already get enough spoilers.” A second said: “Silly idea. Will ruin the big episodes.”
Some fans were more positve though. One said: “This needed to happen glad it’s following the other soaps so that way people can still get their fix so it doesn’t clash with other live events such as news and sport.”
Craig Morris, managing editor of ITV Channels and ITVX, said: “The positive response when we made the soaps available at 7am during The Euros and the Olympics this year shows that audiences want to choose when to watch their favourite Soap, and the new dedicated destination on ITVX is a fitting home for the nation’s biggest and best continuing dramas. Now you can choose when to enjoy your daily dose of drama – whether during the morning commute, over lunch or at a time that suits you each evening.”
Iain MacLeod, ITV’s executive producer for Continuing Drama, celebrated the development as “great news for soap fans”. He said: “Having the ability to catch your favourite show at a time that suits you fits perfectly with people’s busy days and flexible lives.
“And who doesn’t love the idea of watching the latest Dingle drama in the Dales or calamity on the Cobbles on the tram to work, or over a brew after dropping the kids at school! As a soap nerd, I should also say that the new soap page is an absolute treat. It’s a one-stop shop for fans of Coronation Street and Emmerdale and it will now be so easy to enjoy your favourite shows, and delve into their illustrious histories and beyond.”
