The World Cup continues to wreak havoc on ITV soap schedules, with Coronation Street and Emmerdale facing another week of irregular air times. The football tournament, which began on June 11 and runs until July 19, has consistently disrupted the newly introduced 'soap power hour' format that debuted just months ago.
New Scheduling Pattern Disrupted
The 'soap power hour' saw Coronation Street and Emmerdale air back-to-back half-hour episodes nightly, replacing the previous pattern of three hour-long Corrie episodes and a weekly hour-long Emmerdale. However, the World Cup coverage has led to frequent schedule changes, with episodes often moved or extended. BBC's EastEnders has also been affected, with Wimbledon coverage forcing three episodes to air on BBC2 this week.
Coronation Street This Week
Monday, July 6: 8:30pm (hour-long episode)
Tuesday, July 7: No episode
Wednesday, July 8: 8:30pm
Thursday, July 9: No episode
Friday, July 10: 9:00pm (hour-long episode)
This week's Corrie storylines see Abi Webster (Sally Carman-Duttine) rush her young son Alfie to hospital after breathing difficulties. Meanwhile, Tyrone Dobbs (Alan Halsall) is shocked to meet his biological father, unsettling Cassie Plummer (Claire Sweeney). Episodes are available on ITVX and YouTube from 7am on air days.
Emmerdale Schedule
Monday, July 6: 7:30pm (hour-long episode)
Tuesday, July 7: No episode
Wednesday, July 8: 8:00pm
Thursday, July 9: No episode
Friday, July 10: 8:00pm (hour-long episode)
In Emmerdale, Kev Townsend (Chris Coghill) continues pursuing a relationship with his son Lewis Barton (Bradley Riches), but a mysterious robbery complicates matters. Cain Dingle (Jeff Hordley) battles prostate cancer and clashes with his son Kyle Winchester (Huey Quinn). Episodes stream on ITVX and YouTube from 7am.
EastEnders Changes
Monday, July 6: 7:30pm (BBC One)
Tuesday, July 7: 7:30pm (BBC Two)
Wednesday, July 8: 7:30pm (BBC Two)
Thursday, July 9: 7:30pm (BBC Two)
Friday, July 10: No episode
EastEnders sees the climax of creepy Bea Pollard's (Ronni Ancona) storyline, as her manipulation of the Mitchell family is exposed, leading to a showdown with Billy and Honey (Perry Fenwick and Emma Barton). Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) remains suspicious of fiancé Max Branning (Jake Wood) as his affair with Priya Nandra-Hart (Sophie Khan-Levy) continues. Episodes are on BBC iPlayer from 7am on air days.
