ITV is shuffling its Friday night television schedule for August 7, 2026. Regular viewers of Coronation Street and Emmerdale will notice their favorite soaps are missing from the usual 8pm lineup. The broadcaster is prioritizing live coverage of the EFL Cup match between Middlesbrough and Wrexham.
This is not the first time sporting events have displaced these dramas. Although ITV introduced a consistent power hour for the soaps to help manage potential interruptions, live sports often take precedence in the evening broadcast. The network confirmed that Middlesbrough v Wrexham kicks off at 8pm, forcing a departure from the typical soap rotation.
Fans looking for the next installment of Weatherfield or Dales action will have a short wait. Emmerdale returns to screens on Sunday, August 9, at 7pm. Coronation Street follows later that evening at 7:30pm on ITV1.
Viewers can still access episodes early via the streaming platform ITVX, where content is available from 7am on the day of broadcast. While the schedule fluctuates, the digital options provide a way to catch up on storylines without waiting for linear airings.