Why is Coronation Street shorter today? ITV’s Corrie major change explained
Coronation Street will look very different in 2026 for a big reason!
- Coronation Street is facing a big change in 2026.
- The soap is set for a new schedule on ITV.
- But what can fans expect?
A major shake-up to Coronation Street’s broadcast schedule is set to kick-in tonight. ITV has made some big changes to its soaps to start 2026.
Corrie and Emmerdale will be moving to a new daily format in a big twist. There is also set to be a massive cross-over between the soaps in just a few hours.
But what is changing with Coronation Street in 2026? Here’s all you need to know:
What time does Coronation Street start?
The soap is set to start at 7.30pm today (January 5) and will run for just 30 minutes. It is due to finish at 8pm and will be followed by the highly anticipated cross-over event: Corriedale.
Both Coronation Street and the cross-over will be broadcast on ITV1 this evening. The latest episode of Corrie is already available to watch on ITVX.
Why is Coronation Street shorter today?
The soap is on for just 30 minutes, instead of the hour-long instalments that fans have become used to in recent years. It comes as ITV makes a massive change to its soap schedule.
In a big shake-up to start 2026, Coronation Street (and Emmerdale) will air episodes five nights a week - Monday to Friday. Both will run for 30 minutes each and form a ‘power hour’.
Describing the change to a 30 minute format for both soaps, ITV called it “the right amount” for viewers. The soaps will continue to add episodes to ITVX at 7am, prior to the live broadcast later in the day.
ITV’s Managing Director of Media and Entertainment Kevin Lygo added: “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.
“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.”
See what time that Corriedale will be broadcast by ITV this evening. Plus learn who is in the cast for the cross-over event.