ITV boss confirms future for Coronation Street and Emmerdale as fans fear the worst

ITV boss confirms future for Coronation Street and Emmerdale as fans fear the worst | Soaps Reporter Published August 27, 2026 10:42am Updated August 27, 2026 10:42am Huge shake-up ahead for ITV, but what are their plans for Corrie and Emmerdale? (Picture: Shutterstock) Fans of Coronation Street and Emmerdale have been given some much-needed reassurance about the future of the soaps following news of a huge shake-up at ITV. With Sky set to buy ITV’s media and streaming business in a massive £1.6 billion deal, viewers have understandably been wondering what the changes could mean for some of the broadcaster’s biggest shows. However, ITV managing director Kevin Lygo has made it clear that its best-known programmes aren’t going anywhere. Speaking at the Edinburgh TV Festival 2026, Lygo addressed the future of major ITV favourites including Coronation Street, Emmerdale, Love Island and I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! ‘These shows will continue,’ he confirmed, offering some reassurance to fans concerned about what the takeover could mean. And when it comes to the soaps in particular, it seems ITV still sees them as a hugely important part of its schedule. Swarla fans rest assured Weatherfield isn’t going anywhere (Picture: ITV) Kevin highlighted the success of ITV’s so-called ‘power hour’, which has established the soaps in the 8 pm slot. According to the TV boss, the block has now become firmly established with audiences and continues to deliver impressive viewing figures. ‘They’ve embedded now, that block at 8 pm is still always the highest-viewed thing of that day,’ he explained, adding: ‘It’s really important.’ It’s certainly an encouraging sign for Coronation Street and Emmerdale viewers, especially at a time when traditional TV has faced growing competition from streaming services. Ask Metro Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications. Kevin was also questioned about whether viewers could see more ambitious crossover events following Corriedale earlier this year. While he didn’t rule out similar ideas in the future, fans probably shouldn’t expect a crossover to become a regular fixture in the ITV calendar. ‘It’s not something to do on an annual basis,’ he said. Still, his overall message about the future of ITV’s soaps was a positive one, simply adding: ‘Long may it continue.’ ‘Corriedale’ aired in January of this year (Photo by Gerard Binks/Getty Images) The comments come as ITV prepares for one of the biggest changes in its history. Sky has agreed to acquire ITV’s media and entertainment operations, including its broadcast channels and ITVX streaming service, following months of discussions. The £1.6 billion deal is designed to create a stronger British media business capable of competing in an increasingly streaming-dominated market. Importantly, ITV Studios is not included in the sale. The production business behind programmes including Love Island and I’m a Celebrity will remain separate. Love Island will remain as part of ITV Studios (Credits: Jonathan Hordle/ITV/Shutterstock) Sky Group CEO Dana Strong has also reassured viewers that ITV’s familiar shows will remain at the heart of the broadcaster following the deal. She previously named Coronation Street, Emmerdale, Love Island, I’m a Celebrity, This Morning, Loose Women, Lorraine and News at Ten among the programmes audiences will continue to be able to enjoy. Strong described the agreement as a ‘defining moment for British media’ and said bringing Sky and ITV’s media operations together would combine free-to-air television, pay TV and streaming. There’s another important bit of reassurance for viewers too: ITV’s channels and ITVX are expected to remain free-to-air until at least 2034 under the broadcaster’s public service licence. The Sky deal still needs regulatory approval before everything is finalised, so there are likely to be plenty more developments ahead. But for anyone worried that the shake-up could spell the end for Weatherfield or the Dales, ITV’s message for now is pretty clear: Coronation Street and Emmerdale remain very much part of the plan. Arrow MORE: 7 Dolly Parton films to honour her legacy and where to stream them Arrow MORE: Why are Emmerdale and Coronation Street not on tonight? When they’re back on TV confirmed Arrow MORE: What Carabao Cup games are on TV this week? Full second round fixtures and channels The Soaps Newsletter – Weekly Sign up for exclusive spoilers and interviews, handpicked by our Soaps Editor.