Fans of the iconic ITV soaps think they have figured out the main reason behind the schedule change. 

The broadcaster recently confirmed Coronation Street and Emmerdale will move to a new scheduling pattern amid ongoing budget cuts. 

As of January 2026, Emmerdale is set to air at 8pm, followed by Coronation Street at 8.30pm – in what has been dubbed a ‘soap power hour’.

The new set-up has been called ‘streaming-friendly’ by ITV boss Kevin Lygo, despite it resulting in one fewer episode of each soap every week.

It comes as budget cuts were announced by the company, leaving staff members, including writers, crew members and even actors, at risk of redundancy. 

But Coronation Street and Emmerdale fans have suggested another reason for the schedule shake-up, according to The Sun.

Scenes in Coronation Street after the Platt’s home sets on fire in recent episodes

Tim and Sally watch on as the blaze continues on Coronation Street

April’s special on Emmerdale aired on our screens on Tuesday evening 

Some think it may be to avoid Emmerdale clashing with the airtime of rival BBC soap EastEnders. 

Read More The truth behind ITV’s Coronation Street and Emmerdale overhaul ‘revealed’ – with cast ‘devastated’

In the new setup, starting next year, soap fans will be able to easily watch all three if EastEnders airs at the usual 7.30pm.

One viewer posted on X: ‘An interesting move from #Emmerdale & #Corrie taking into account they only changed the schedules in March 2022. At the same time – at least both soaps will no longer clash with #EastEnders. I also think Corrie was better as 30 mins episodes.’

Another said: ‘Incredible news about the new ITV schedule for #CoronationStreet and #Emmerdale. I have wanted a stripped five night schedule with no clashes since time began. This is the first really positive news for both in so long.’

According to The Sun, someone else posted online: ‘Emmerdale won’t be clashing with EastEnders anymore.’

One viewer wrote: ‘This can only be good news… No clashes with EastEnders either.’

Another said: ‘Bet the BBC loved this. Will go in their favour because they can cater for people who don’t watch between 8 and 9.”

18-year-old Emmerdale actor Fred Kettle as Dylan in a recent episode

A scene in Emmerdale from 2019 featuring Doug Potts and Brenda Hope

Some viewers took to social media to share their thoughts on the schedule change 

On the TV schedule changes, Kevin Lygo added they were ‘viewer-led’ with the aim to present the soaps ‘in the most digestable way’. 

He added: ‘In a world where there is so much compeтιтion 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.’

The ITV boss went on to suggest viewers want ‘pacey storytelling,’ justifying the shorter episodes that he says ‘better provide the opportunity to meet viewer expectations for storyline pace, pay-off and resolution’.

He added: ‘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.