Prepare to rage soap fans – football is ruining our lives again tonight

Soaps fans are not happy as football takes over ITV once again (Picture: Getty / ITV / Shutterstock) Soap fans are going to have to put their evening plans on hold tonight, as football is once again getting in the way of their regular trip to the cobbles and the Dales. Both Emmerdale and Coronation Street are being bumped from ITV’s schedule today, Wednesday (12th of August), with live football taking over the evening instead. ITV is showing a pre-season friendly between Manchester United and Leeds United, meaning the usual soap hour is being sacrificed for the sporting clash. And while football fans will no doubt be happy to have another game to watch, soap fans could be forgiven for letting out a collective groan. It comes after a particularly disruptive summer for ITV’s soaps, which have already had to make several changes to their usual schedules because of sporting coverage. Ask Metro Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications. Both Emmerdale and Corrie have been moved around at various points this year, with the 2026 FIFA World Cup also having a major impact on the broadcaster’s usual evening line-up. Thankfully, this latest interruption isn’t set to last very long (Picture: ITV) Football coverage gets underway on ITV1 at 7pm tonight, with kick-off following at 7.30pm. The match then takes over the part of the evening where viewers would normally settle down for Emmerdale at 8pm and Coronation Street at 8.30pm. So, if you were expecting your usual Wednesday night dose of Weatherfield drama and village chaos, you’ll have to find something else to watch for one evening. The good news is that soap fans won’t be left waiting for long. Both shows will be back on ITV tomorrow, Thursday 13th of August, with the regular weekday schedule returning. That means Emmerdale will air at its usual 8pm slot, followed by Coronation Street at 8.30pm. The two soaps are now part of ITV’s weekday ‘power hour’, with Emmerdale and Corrie sharing a 60-minute block from Monday to Friday. Episodes are also made available on ITVX from 7am on the day they are due to air, meaning particularly impatient viewers can get their soap fix earlier. And there’s certainly plenty waiting for viewers when the soaps return. Emmerdale will be back to it’s usual time slot tomorrow night (Picture: ITV) In Emmerdale, the fallout from Dr Caitlin Todd’s death is set to continue, with questions still hanging over exactly what happened before her fatal fall. Sarah Sugden pushed Caitlin, resulting in the doctor’s death, and the consequences of the incident have already begun to ripple through the village. Both Sarah and Charity were arrested following the tragedy, but Charity ultimately decided to take responsibility for what happened. That leaves the Woolpack landlady facing an uncertain future, while the decision could have serious consequences as the truth continues to emerge. Over in Weatherfield, meanwhile, things are just as complicated for Sarah Platt. Sarah Platt seems to be heading for even more trouble behind bars (Picture: ITV) She remains behind bars as the investigation into the murder of Theo Silverton continues, with recent events leaving her future hanging in the balance. Gary Windass has also found himself at the centre of the drama after appearing ready to confess, leaving viewers with plenty of questions about what exactly is going to happen next. So, while tonight might be a football night on ITV, soap fans thankfully don’t have to wait too long for their next fix. Emmerdale and Coronation Street will both be back tomorrow, with the usual drama resuming just as viewers left it. Deals of the Day Parents can save up to 30% on Kickers school shoes ahead of the new term The back-to-school hack that's helping parents avoid queues and sold-out sizes Could your hair be wavy rather than straight? This brand thinks so Could your star sign improve your skincare routine? This new beauty launch thinks so Best skincare for menopausal skin? This dermatologist-created treatment is tailored to you Until then, it looks like football has won this round. Arrow MORE: Jan Leeming quits social media over ‘vile abuse’ after slating Charlene White Arrow MORE: Tyson Fury’s daughter Venezuela, 16, and husband Noah Price, 19, ‘to rake in £100,000’ on ITV show Arrow MORE: All Coronation Street exits, returns and new arrivals coming in 2026 The Soaps Newsletter – Weekly Sign up for exclusive spoilers and interviews, handpicked by our Soaps Editor.