Coronation Street and Emmerdale Cast Face Reduced Screen Time and Pay

ITV is facing criticism after announcing plans to reduce screen time for actors on its flagship soap operas, Coronation Street and Emmerdale, leading to potential pay cuts. The changes stem from a shift in the soaps’ broadcasting schedule implemented earlier this year.

Schedule Changes and Episode Reduction

In January 2026, both Coronation Street and Emmerdale moved to a modern nightly broadcast pattern, reducing their weekly runtime by 30 minutes. Previously airing six episodes a week, both shows now broadcast for half an hour each between 8pm and 9pm, five nights per week. Digital Spy reports this change was described by ITV’s Managing Director of Media and Entertainment, Kevin Lygo, as “viewer-led,” aligning with evolving viewing habits and the increasing popularity of streaming services.

Impact on Actors’ Contracts

The reduction in weekly episodes translates to a total of 104 fewer episodes produced annually. ITV has revised the number of guaranteed episodes offered to actors. A spokesperson for ITV confirmed this, stating the revision aligns with the new scheduling pattern introduced at the beginning of the year. Digital Spy reports that some actors could lose around a sixth of their income as a result.

Union Involvement and Actor Concerns

The changes have sparked discontent among cast members, with trade union Equity becoming involved. Equity is currently supporting its members across continuing dramas at ITV regarding the contractual decisions. Digital Spy indicates that approximately 140 actors and their agents were informed of the alterations via email, with reports suggesting a lack of consultation prior to the announcement.

Flexibility for Outside Projects

The revised contracts may allow actors greater flexibility to pursue projects outside of their soap opera commitments. Emmerdale actor Bradley Riches, for example, is scheduled to appear in a pantomime later this year.

Broadcast Information

Emmerdale airs on weeknights at 8pm on ITV1 and streams on ITVX. Coronation Street follows at 8.30pm, also available on ITVX. Both shows were off-air on March 8, 2026, due to Six Nations coverage, but will resume their regular scheduling on Monday, March 9, 2026. Digital Spy

Coronation Street, created by Tony Warren, has been a staple of British television since its debut on December 9, 1960, on ITV. Wikipedia