ITV is making a number of changes to soaps (Image: Getty)
ITV have announced that they are making some huge changes to their soap schedules – meaning that and fans could be left very disappointed.
currently airs for three hour-long episodes a week, whilst is four 30 minute episodes and one hour-long. But from this month, the broadcasters will be introducing a “soap power hour” instead.
It will see 30 minute episodes at 8pm, and 30 minute episodes at 8.30pm introduced from Monday to Friday each week.
ITV said that the changes come following research that showed 30 minute episodes attracted higher audiences in 2024, and delivered more digestible installments of continuing drama that better fits with changing viewer habits.
Managing director of media and entertainment at ITV, Kevin Lygo, said: “The new commissioning pattern is viewer-led. We already give more choice than ever to viewers on how they watch us through ITVX and we want to present their favourite soap to them, in the most digestible way.
Emmerdale and Corrie will be impacted by the changes (Image: Express)
“In a world where there is so much competition for viewers’ time and attention, and viewing habits continue to change, we believe this is the right amount of episodes that fans can fit into their viewing schedule, to keep up to date with the shows.”
He continued: “It creates a soap power hour that’s consistent, and easy to find in the linear schedule, for the UK’s biggest soaps.
“This new commissioning pattern will mean five hours of soaps a week, rather than the current six. We are conscious this will have an impact for the people who work on the soaps team. We will support our colleagues in ITV Studios as they work through these changes, and will do what we can to mitigate the impact on our people.
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Corrie will no longer have hour-long episodes (Image: ITV)
“These changes are motivated by doing what we believe is best for the continuing success of these important programmes in the long term. They also create headroom in the overall programme budget for investment in programming that can help ITV grow reach in a very very competitive market.”
The changes come amid reports that ITV is facing a “cash crisis”, with budget cuts being made. Over the past few weeks, several cast members have announced their upcoming departures from the show, including Eileen Grimshaw star Sue Cleaver, and Charlotte Jordan, who plays Daisy Midgeley.
Colson Smith is also set to film his final scenes as Craig Tinker this year, as Paddy Bever says goodbye to his role as Max Turner.