**ITV’s Emmerdale and Coronation Street fans to enjoy early episode access**
ITV has announced a major change to its programming schedule that will excite fans of the popular soaps, Emmerdale and Coronation Street, by providing early access to new episodes online. Commencing from Monday, October 14, viewers will be able to watch the latest episodes of both shows on ITVX from 7am, well before their usual evening broadcasts on ITV1. This move aims to offer greater convenience to fans in enjoying their favourite programmes.
As part of ITV’s efforts to enhance viewer experience, a dedicated soap hub will be launched on ITVX, featuring a ‘soap drop’ with a range of content, including brand-new episodes available for streaming prior to their TV premieres on ITV1. Alongside access to Classic Coronation Street and Classic Emmerdale, the soap section on ITVX will curate special collections such as “greatest episodes” and a library showcasing the “stars of the soaps”.
The ‘stars of the soaps’ collection will include popular dramas like Tina and Bobby starring Michelle Keegan, Maryland featuring Suranne Jones, and The Long Shadow with Katherine Kelly in the lead. Notably, the soap page will also showcase Nolly, a biopic by Russell T Davies about Noele Gordon, portrayed by Helena Bonham Carter, known for her role in the iconic ITV series Crossroads.
Viewers on ITVX can look forward to classic episodes of Crossroads with unique introductions from beloved soap actors, providing insights into memorable moments from the shows. According to reports from Leeds Live as cited by the Mirror, there has been a significant surge in viewership of soap operas in 2024, with both Emmerdale and Coronation Street witnessing a 30 percent increase in views. These beloved soaps rank among the top five most-streamed programmes on ITVX, amassing nearly 300 million streams this year alone.
Craig Morris, Managing Editor of ITV Channels and ITVX, expressed his observations on the growing trend, stating, “The positive response when we made the soaps available at 7am during The Euros and the Olympics this year shows that audiences want to choose when to watch their favourite soap.” He highlighted that the new soap section on ITVX provides a fitting platform for the nation’s most esteemed soap operas, allowing viewers to enjoy their daily dose of drama at a time that suits them best.
Executive producer for continuing drama at ITV, Iain MacLeod, shared his enthusiasm for the enhanced accessibility for soap fans, remarking, “Having the ability to catch your favourite show at a time that suits you fits perfectly with people’s busy days and flexible lives.” He emphasised the convenience of being able to watch the latest storylines from Emmerdale and Coronation Street during various parts of the day, catering to the diverse schedules of viewers.
The introduction of the new soap page on ITVX is set to enrich the viewing experience for fans, providing a centralised platform to enjoy and explore the rich histories of Coronation Street and Emmerdale. With the convenience of early access and curated content collections, viewers can delve into the world of their beloved soaps like never before. With the debut of this innovative offering, ITV aims to bring the best of British drama to audiences in a more accessible and engaging manner.
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