Emmerdale star Emma Atkins teases soap secrets as she opens up on Corriedale being ‘something so special’
2026 is going to be a big year for Emmerdale
Corriedale red carpet launch at The National Science and Media Museum, in Bradford, featuring Emma Atkins, Isabel Hodgins and Natalie J Robb (Image: Gerard Binks)
Some major Emmerdale secrets which will impact 2026 look likely to be a key strand of the upcoming Corriedale special.
In January, the Corriedale episode will air on ITV. It has been revealed that a multi-vehicle pile-up will be at the centre of the drama that sees the worlds of Coronation Street and Emmerdale collide for one night only.
Fan favourite characters from both soaps will appear in the episode. The special edition will launch ITV’s new ‘soap power hour’ scheduling pattern for Coronation Street and Emmerdale.
Corriedale will air on Monday, January 5 at 8pm. To launch the crossover cast members, from both soaps, attended a glitzy première at The National Science and Media Museum – in Bradford.
Emma Atkins, 50, who plays Charity Dingle in Emmerdale, appeared at a press conference to launch Corriedale. Teasing what fans can expect from Corriedale, she said: “I feel like I’ve been part of something so special and inspiring. My (character’s) mountain of lies is only one part of a lie and she’s desperately fighting to keep that a secret as they drive to the airport (ahead of the aforementioned crash).
“Even though it is only a small part, for me, it is a tapestry which I’m privileged to be part of.”
Emma continued by discussing her respect for Coronation Street which has been part of the UK’s TV landscape since 1960. Emma said: “When you grow up watching something, you have so much respect for the other side of the M62, so to speak, now I’m working with these incredible people I don’t think I could pick anyone (who she would single out to share a scene with).
“I had a scene with Julia (Goulding who plays Shona in Coronation Street) and Jack (P Shepherd who plays David in Coronation Street) – watching them do their stuff. I have a child-like mentality when it comes to special episodes. I don’t think it is ever going to be done again, so you have to embrace every moment you are in – whoever you are working with.”
“I feel like I’m part of magic and something special.”
