ITV HAS announced a major shake-up to Coronation Street and Emmerdale as they take on EastEnders.
The broadcaster has announced the change which will see both soaps be available to watch earlier than usual.
Sign up for the TV newsletter
Weatherfield and Dales fans will be able to view both soaps’ episodes from 7am on the day of their scheduled broadcast.
They’ll land on streaming platform ITVX to coincide with a new soap category being added.
The changes will start from this Monday, October 14th.
It comes as BBC bosses drop EastEnders episodes early on iPlayer each morning at 6am.
As part of ITV’s shake-up to Coronation Street and Emmerdale, classic episodes will also be available to stream online.
ITV Channels’ managing director Craig Morris 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.”
Coronation Street’s former boss and now Executive Producer for Continuing Drama at ITV, Iain MacLeod said: “This is great news for soap fans!
“Having the ability to catch your favourite show at a time that suits you fits perfectly with people’s busy days and flexible lives.
Classic scene from Coronation Street as Suzie Birchall slaps Gail Potter
“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.”
