Coronation Street fans are set for disappointment tonight as the beloved ITV soap has been unexpectedly removed from its usual Friday night schedule. On January 31, 2025, the show has been bumped by live coverage of the Six Nations rugby tournament, leaving viewers without their weekly serving of Weatherfield drama.
The Six Nations tournament kicks off with the highly anticipated match between Wales and France, slated to start at 8:15 PM. The coverage will officially begin at 7:30 PM and run until approximately 10:35 PM, which overlaps with the time Coronation Street would typically air. Consequently, fans will have to wait until Monday, February 3, to catch the next episode.
This unique disruption has ignited frustration among loyal viewers who flocked to social media to voice their displeasure. One fan lamented, "It's Friday and we don't have Corrie today... I need it back already #Corrie," reflecting the discontent brewing among the soap's audience. Another added, "I notice #Corrie is only on twice next week because of the b****y rugby on Friday night," underlining the impact of sports programming on their weekend plans.
Adding to the disappointment is the fact there won’t be any alternative airing, whether through special programming or ITVX streaming. A post from the show's official social media account reminded fans: "A little reminder we’re not on tomorrow evening, but we’re back on Monday at 8 PM. Until then, stream the latest episodes on ITVX."
The shake-up has left fans wondering about the scheduling decisions made by ITV. Many have taken to online discussions, questioning, "If ITV have ITV2 etc., and especially ITVX, why not stream it or show on another channel?" This sentiment was echoed by numerous viewers upset over the absence of their Friday night tradition.
Next week is shaping up to be quite intense for Coronation Street, as dramatic events will occur, including a fire at the Platt household. Reports have teased the upcoming chaos with statements such as, "The fire will not only destroy the bricks and mortar but also the lives of David and Shona’s family and those close to them." This build-up has left many eager for the return of their favorite characters and the dramatic stories they have come to expect.
Despite the recent disappointment, viewers can look forward to the show's return on Monday, February 3, at 8 PM, with episodes also airing at the same time on Wednesdays and Fridays. The plot will become considerably darker next week, with rising tensions and emotional stakes highlighted by the fire. Intriguingly, some inhabitants of Weatherfield find themselves entangled in precarious situations as the drama intensifies.
One viewer's perception of the upcoming contention aligns with earlier comments on the show’s social platforms, indicating the potential loss of significant characters as the season progresses: "It’s going to be huge as danger looms. People will be trapped inside when the fire takes hold, leaving the fate of beloved characters uncertain and fraught with suspense." Given recent heart-wrenching storylines, fans are right to feel apprehensive about character safety.
For those eagerly awaiting the show’s return, it promises thrills and emotional highs, matching the intensity of the surrounding events. Still, the gap until its return has certainly left viewers yearning for more immediate updates and content.
This scheduling disruption raises questions about how such changes impact audiences who have grown accustomed to nightly programming. Sporting events often lead to temporary setbacks for many shows, but loyal fans of Coronation Street have made it known tonight’s absence is far from welcome.
Nonetheless, as the dust settles from this unexpected schedule shake-up, one thing remains clear—the fans will be ready to tune back in and embrace the storytelling and drama they adore when Coronation Street resumes its normal schedule next week. Until then, they can catch up on episodes already available on ITVX as they anticipate the outdoor action set to shortly capture their attention.