Sky and ITV address ‘worrying’ claims that Emmerdale could be axed

| Soaps Reporter Published July 21, 2026 11:04am Updated July 21, 2026 11:04am It left fans in a panic (Picture: ITV/Sky/Metro) Following the news Sky has agreed to buy ITV for £1.6billion, a rumour began to circulate that Emmerdale could be facing the axe after 53 years. Now, the show’s fate has been confirmed. The transaction between ITV and Sky brings two of the most trusted and complementary media organisations together to create a stronger media business. Once the completion has happened, ITV channels and ITVX will remain free-to-air. Audiences will continue to enjoy programmes they know and love, alongside the national and regional news. Sky chief executive Dana Strong previously said: ‘This is a defining moment for British media and an opportunity to build a stronger future for two of the UK’s most loved and trusted brands. Ask Metro Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications. ‘We have huge respect for the transformation the ITV team has delivered, particularly its successful move into streaming through ITVX, which has brought fantastic British content to millions of viewers across the UK. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video ‘Bringing Sky and ITV Media & Entertainment together combines the very best of free-to-air television, pay TV and streaming, ensuring viewers across the UK continue to enjoy outstanding British programming in a rapidly changing world. ‘ITV will remain a public service broadcaster at the heart of British life, and we’re excited about the future we can build together.’ Fans recently began to panic after reading a report that stated Emmerdale isn’t as popular as Coronation Street, and could end to save money. That isn’t true. The deal secures the future of Emmerdale and Corrie (Picture: ITV) As part of the deal, the future of the soap has been secured. ‘TV fan favourites are here to stay’, a quote direct from Sky reads. ‘We’ve agreed a long-term content partnership with ITV studios, to secure the future of many of Britain’s most-watched programmes, including Coronation Street, Emmerdale, Love Island, I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!, This Morning, Lorraine and Loose Women.’ Something worth noting though is that content on ITV itself could gradually move behind a paywall. The show is definitely safe (Picture: ITV) However, the company’s public service broadcasting licence states that they must provide free-to-air service until at least 2034. So, for now, it’s business as usual for Emmerdale and Corrie. Deals of the Day Wuka launches the UK’s first period-proof swimwear for heavy flows Bridgerton fans are rushing to buy these new Netflix-inspired perfumes now £12 off The affordable summer wardrobe update you'll wear from rooftop drinks to beach holidays The £7.99 lip balm beauty fans love for glossy, hydrated lips just dropped four new shades This Keskine hydrogel mask could fix your summer skin While Sky’s long-term plans for ITV remain to be seen, the soaps continue to be cornerstones of the broadcaster’s output, giving fans plenty of reason to be optimistic about their future. Arrow MORE: House of the Dragon accused of ‘wasting’ major actor killed off after 4 episodes Arrow MORE: ITV’s The Voice forced to apologise after ‘upsetting’ email to independent bakery Arrow MORE: Every star tipped for I’m A Celebrity 2026 so far including Gavin and Stacey icon The Soaps Newsletter – Weekly Sign up for exclusive spoilers and interviews, handpicked by our Soaps Editor.