Emmerdale’s future on TV after 54 years revealed by ITV boss following Sky deal
ITV has confirmed the future of Coronation Street and Emmerdale following the announcement that the broadcaster has agreed to sell its media and entertainment business to Sky
The future of Coronation Street and Emmerdale has been confirmed by ITV’s boss. It was revealed in July that ITV sold its media and entertainment division to Sky for up to £1.6billion. The agreement encompasses the ITVX platform and ITV’s free-to-air channels.
ITV’s studio division, which produces programmes including Love Island and I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here, is not part of the agreement. The fresh strategy seeks to establish a UK-centred streaming powerhouse to compete with US platforms such as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.
But what does this mean for the soaps? Viewers have already witnessed a significant overhaul from the beginning of the year, when Corrie episodes were reduced. ITV dropped the programme by one episode per week and shortened all instalments to 30 minutes, reports the Daily Star.
ITV’s boss has addressed the soap’s future (Image: ITV)
Now, ITV’s managing director Kevin Lygo has spoken about the future of the soaps while appearing at Edinburgh TV Festival 2026. “These shows will continue,” Kevin said, referring to the likes of Coronation Street, Emmerdale, I’m A Celebrity and Love Island.
He then highlighted the triumph of the new ‘soap power hour’ scheduling decision, stating: “They’ve embedded now, that block at 8pm is still always the highest-viewed thing of that day. It’s really important.” Kevin was also questioned whether another crossover episode is planned following the triumph of Corriedale earlier this year. He revealed that while he is receptive to suggestions, “it’s not something to do on an annual basis”.
ITV sold up to Sky earlier this year (Image: Getty)
Meanwhile, discussing the agreement, which is subject to shareholder and regulatory approval, Dana Strong, Sky’s group chief executive, stated: “Bringing Sky and ITV Media and 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.”
Sky Group also stated: “The UK media market is undergoing a profound and rapid transformation, and as competition for audiences intensifies, scale matters more than ever in order to compete with global streaming giants and YouTube in the UK.
“Viewers will continue to enjoy the shows they know and love, such as Coronation Street, Emmerdale, Love Island, I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! , This Morning, Loose Women, Lorraine and News at Ten – alongside major live sporting events,” Sky added.
Emmerdale airs Monday to Friday at 8:00pm on ITV1 and ITVX
