ITV bosses have confirmed that Coronation Street and Emmerdale fans can get their latest fix earlier than ever as the beloved soaps move to online-first viewing

Emmerdale and Coronation Street fans can get their fix earlier than ever as the beloved soaps move to online-first viewing. Starting from Monday, October 14, the freshest instalments of these iconic shows will premiere on ITVX at 7am, well ahead of their traditional evening slots on ITV1. This shift is part of ITV’s fresh approach to give fans more flexibility in how they tune into their top telly picks.

Simultaneous with this game-changing “soap drop”, ITVX is set to unveil a shiny new hub for all things soap-related, crammed full of goodies and exclusive content nestled right next to the latest chapters from the soaps, now conveniently served up before their usual TV broadcasts.

Landing on the revamped ITVX soap section, viewers will be greeted with special selections dedicated to Classic Coronation Street and Classic Emmerdale. Plus, they’ll be treated to compilations like the Greatest Episodes and a curated Stars of the Soaps anthology, showcasing drama hits such as Tina and Bobby featuring Michelle Keegan, Maryland starring Suranne Jones, and The Long Shadow with Katherine Kelly.

Coronation Street and Emmerdale fans can get their latest fix earlier than ever as the beloved soaps move to online-first viewing(Image: ITV)

Not to miss in the soap smorgasbord is the Top Picks selection, which boasts Nolly, Russell T Davies’ intimate portrayal of the queen of soaps, Noele Gordon, with Helena Bonham Carter bringing to life the legend from the seminal daytime drama Crossroads. Fans will also be able to stream memorable Crossroads episodes, headlined by soap favourites who will introduce classic scenes and select their personal highlights from ITVX’s offerings, reports Leeds Live.

Viewership for soaps has seen an impressive increase on ITVX in 2024, with both Emmerdale and Coronation Street experiencing a surge of around 30%. These two iconic soaps are not only among the top 5 shows for streaming hours on ITVX but have also collectively amassed nearly 300 million streams this year alone.

Craig Morris, the Managing Editor of ITV Channels and ITVX, shared his perspective: “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.”

This week, as Emmerdale celebrates 30 years of the Dingles, the soap’s most prominent family is struck by sorrow upon learning of the death of their patriarch, Zak. It marks a poignant moment for the Dingle household and the wider Village community.

Emmerdale celebrates 30 years of the Dingles in upcoming scenes(Image: ITV)

Amidst their loss, Cain, Sam, and Belle Dingle, consumed by grief, gather to remember their beloved father, while the village residents pay their respects to the dearly departed Zak. Corrie takes a dark turn as the search for Joel Deering intensifies. A body’s been discovered in the canal, sparking fears that Joel may have met a grim fate.

Dee-Dee and Lauren are shaken by the news of his murder, but the investigation is far from over. Iain MacLeod, Executive Producer for Continuing Drama at ITV, enthused: “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. 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.”

Emmerdale airs weekdays on ITV1 at 7.30pm and Coronation Street airs Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays on ITV1 at 8pm