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In a major move set to shake up the world of British television, ITV has announced that episodes of beloved soaps Emmerdale and Coronation Street will now be released on YouTube before they air on TV.
The decision marks a significant shift in how fans can access their favourite soap operas, with new episodes now available to watch online from 7am on the day of broadcast, a full 12 hours before they hit traditional TV schedules.
Both Corrie and Emmerdale have already embraced the streaming world via ITVX, where early episode drops have been running successfully. But this latest development takes accessibility one step further by putting Britain’s longest-running soaps directly onto the world’s most popular video platform.
The change officially came into effect yesterday, and fans are already reacting to the news. While some welcomed the flexibility and convenience, others expressed concern over spoilers, especially for those who still prefer the ritual of sitting down to watch the evening transmission.
Soap fans, rejoice! 🎉 Starting tomorrow, full episodes will be available on YouTube from 7am — the same day they air on TV! 📺🍿 Credit: @emmerdale
A spokesperson for ITV said:
“This move ensures our stories reach as many viewers as possible, wherever and however they choose to watch. It’s part of our wider strategy to make our content more accessible in a fast-evolving digital world.”
The YouTube release is aimed at attracting younger, on-the-go viewers, as well as audiences overseas, while still keeping the faithful TV audience in mind. It’s expected that this approach will also help expand the shows’ reach to new international fans and those who may have missed out due to scheduling constraints.
However, ITV confirmed that Coronation Street and Emmerdale will continue to air in their usual evening slots on ITV1, allowing traditional viewers to enjoy the shows as always.
As television habits continue to evolve, it’s clear that even the most established programmes are embracing the digital age. Whether you’re an early riser or a teatime loyalist, the Dales and Weatherfield are just a click away.
