Fans of Coronation Street and Emmerdale face a frustrating wait before their next soap fix.

In an ITV scheduling shake-up this evening (Friday, March 27), both long-running dramas have been bumped from their regular time slots.

Corrie and Emmerdale typically broadcast 30-minute episodes on weeknights between 8pm and 9pm as part of ITV’s popular soap double-bill.

However, viewers have been left without Friday’s instalment as the channel prioritises coverage of England’s clash against Uruguay at Wembley Stadium.

England’s home fixture against Uruguay at Wembley forms part of the nation’s preparations ahead of World Cup 2026.

Uruguay have historically proved a formidable opponent for the Three Lions, who have managed just one victory in their last six encounters with the South Americans, including a damaging group-stage defeat at the 2014 World Cup.

ITV’s coverage kicks off at 7pm, ahead of a 7.45pm start, meaning both Coronation Street and Emmerdale will not air — much to viewers’ frustration, reports the Daily Star.

This is not the first scheduling disruption soap fans have endured this month. On March 6, viewers were left unimpressed when ITV once again axed the soaps in favour of sporting coverage, prompting an outcry directed at bosses.

Disgruntled fans took to social media to vent their displeasure. One wrote: “What again !! This is happening way too often.”

Another chimed in: “Why can’t rugby go on ITV3?” while a third suggested: “Exactly! Or they could at least still put the Corrie episode on ITVX.”

To compensate for the scheduling change, ITV has arranged an extra episode of both soaps to broadcast on Sunday (March 29) instead, ensuring viewers still receive five instalments of their beloved programme this week, albeit at different times than usual.

Coronation Street enthusiasts are keen to discover what lies ahead for sinister stalker Mal Roper (Tim Treloar).

Earlier in the week, the Weatherfield antagonist experienced a “sudden flashback”, appearing to recall the identity of his attacker, though crucially he hasn’t identified the correct person.

Over in Emmerdale, Kim Tate (Claire King) found herself justifying her choice to leave the manor house Home Farm to Lydia Dingle (Karen Blick) in her will.

While the remainder of her substantial fortune will be divided amongst her grandchildren, including Joe Tate (Ned Porteous), who was far from delighted to discover that his residence would be passed to someone else.