Jesus Christ. I just got off the phone with a mate at ITV and I'm still in shock. The bloodbath that swept through Daytime TV on Tuesday was apparently just the appetizer. The main course? Our beloved soaps.
Listen. I've been covering telly for 14 years now, and I've never seen the kind of fear that's currently gripping the Coronation Street and Emmerdale casts. They're absolutely bricking it.
The Axe Swings Wildly (and Nobody Feels Safe)
My source (who's been with one of the soaps since 2011) texted me at midnight: "It's like working in a funeral home. Everyone's just waiting to see who's next." Dramatic? Maybe. But after watching Lorraine and Loose Women get gutted this week, who can blame them?
The suits at ITV have already announced that from January 2026, both soaps will drop from six episodes to five 30-minute slots per week. They're calling it the "Power Hour" – Emmerdale at 8pm followed by Corrie at 8:30pm, Monday to Friday.
Power Hour my arse.
75 Jobs on the Chopping Block
What they're not shouting about is the human cost. Up to 75 jobs are expected to vanish, with many crew members already being marched into those awful redundancy meetings. I sat through one of those back in 2018 at a different network. Still remember the weird beige room and teh HR woman's uncomfortable smile.
And here's where it gets properly interesting (and terrifying if you work on either show).
John Whiston, the big boss who's been Managing Director of Continuing Drama and Head of ITV in the North, is retiring this month. His replacement? Iain MacLeod – who's previously run both Emmerdale and Corrie – has been promoted to Creative Director with editorial responsibility for BOTH shows.
One exec producer. Two shows. You do the math.
That "Special" Crossover Episode? It's a Test Run
Remember that much-hyped crossover episode they announced? The one where Ken Barlow might pop into the Woolpack and Mandy Dingle could order a butty at Roy's Rolls?
Well, my sources tell me it's not just a gimmick to launch the new schedule. It's a bloody experiment to see if crews can work across both shows. A rehearsal for permanent integration.
"We're all being told it's a one-off," one crew member told me yesterday. "But nobody's buying it. We're not stupid."
The Nightmare Scenario Nobody Wants to Talk About
I spent £140 on drinks last night with a long-serving Coronation Street actor (who'd murder me if I named them). After the third G&T, they leaned in and whispered: "We're all waiting for the other shoe to drop. First it's five episodes instead of six. Then it'll be four. Then three. Then... who knows?"
God. The thought of these two British institutions being slowly dismantled is genuinely depressing.
Another insider (20+ years at ITV) put it bluntly: "Castmembers are fuming. Their livelihoods are at stake and they're expected to deliver the same quality with over 200 jobs slashed. It's a kick in the teeth."
Bean Counters in Charge
Earlier this year, I reported how Corrie bosses were cutting back on using multiple characters per episode to keep appearance fees down. Historically, actors got a standard fee for appearing – even for just one scene – but that's been scaled back.
And you know who's getting overlooked? The veterans. The faces we've grown up with. The icons who made these shows what they are. They're on bigger contracts, so the bean counters prefer using cheaper newcomers.
One veteran actor (who's been on our screens since I was in primary school) told me: "I used to film three days a week. Now I'm lucky if I get one. My agent's already updating my resume."
The Daytime Massacre Was Just the Beginning
ITV showed their ruthless streak this week by culling award-winning shows. Loose Women will now only show in term time, and poor Lorraine has been cut from an hour to 30 minutes – also airing just 30 weeks a year.
The most baffling part? Lorraine's ratings were actually UP. Loose Women was winning AWARDS.
But ratings and awards don't matter anymore, apparently. Only cold, hard cash.
Why Are They Doing This?
All this bloodletting is to free up money for blockbuster dramas like Mr Bates vs The Post Office and improve coverage of sporting tournaments like the World Cup, which execs see as the real revenue drivers.
Just like soaps used to be...
When I reached out to ITV for comment, a spokeswoman insisted: "These claims aren't true. ITV has been clear that the crossover episode is a one-off occasion to launch the new scheduling pattern for Coronation Street and Emmerdale in January 2026."
She added: "Both programmes will then continue to broadcast separate, individual episodes. The crossover episode will be purely story driven and is a first for British Soap. The idea certainly hasn't been conceived for financial reasons. In fact the spectacular combined launch episode will cost a great deal more than regular episodes."
I've been covering TV long enough to know when I'm being fed a line. The question is – do you believe them?
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any notable awards that UK soap operas have won?
UK soap operas have received numerous awards over the years, including BAFTA Awards, National Television Awards, and British Soap Awards. These accolades recognize excellence in storytelling, acting, and production.
Can you watch UK soap operas online?
Yes, many UK soap operas are available to watch online through official broadcaster websites and streaming services. Viewers can catch up on missed episodes or watch previous seasons at their convenience.
What is the setting of "Coronation Street"?
"Coronation Street" is set in the fictional Weatherfield, a suburb of Manchester. The show focuses on the lives of the residents of Coronation Street and the various challenges they face.
Statistics
- Approximately 15% of the viewership for UK soap operas comes from overseas audiences, particularly in Australia and New Zealand.
- Each episode of a UK soap opera typically has a production budget ranging from £100,000 to £250,000, depending on the complexity of the storyline and production requirements.
- Soap operas in the UK typically air 4 to 6 episodes per week, with "EastEnders" airing four times a week.
- Hollyoaks, which premiered in 1995, has introduced several high-profile actors who have gone on to have successful careers in television and film.
- The British Soap Awards, held annually, attract millions of viewers and celebrate the best in soap opera performances and storylines.
- As of 2023, "EastEnders" has featured over 3,000 episodes since its launch, making it one of the most prolific soap operas in history.
- Research indicates that viewers of soap operas are more likely to discuss social issues with friends and family, demonstrating the genre's impact on social discourse.
- The portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters has become increasingly prominent in UK soap operas, reflecting societal changes and advancements in representation.
External Links
How To
How To Participate in Soap Opera Fan Communities
Participating in soap opera fan communities can enrich your viewing experience and foster connections with fellow enthusiasts. Start by joining social media groups or pages dedicated to your favorite soap operas. Engage in discussions, share theories, and express opinions on current storylines. Online forums such as Digital Spy and Reddit have dedicated threads for soap opera fans. Attend local or virtual fan events where cast members may participate in Q&A sessions. Following fan blogs or YouTube channels that analyze episodes can also provide deeper insights and foster community interactions.
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