Coronation Street and Emmerdale stars fear soaps ‘could be MERGED forever’ to save cash amid ITV cuts

ITV staffers are still reeling from Tuesday’s dramatic culling of Daytime, which left many big names fearing for their jobs.

And according to insiders, the bloodbath at the station is set to continue – and next up on the chopping block is likely to be soaps.

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That’s the big concern from cast and crew working on ITV juggernauts Coronation Street and Emmerdale, who are anticipating major changes in the coming months, most of which are filling them with dread.

A TV insider told The Sun: “After the Daytime announcement, the big feeling within the soap departments at ITV is the cost-cutting focus will shift to them.

“There’s been some seismic changes already over the past year in regards to penny pinching and many believe that’s just the start.

“Given the big audience figures and institutional history within ITV, soaps used to have an untouchable feel about them.

“But that’s changed significantly and they now feel more vulnerable than ever.”

Earlier this year, ITV announced from January 2026, both soaps will be reduced to five 30-minute episodes per week, rather than six, resulting in a one-hour reduction in soap content on the channel.

Bosses attempted to spin the new streamlined output by branding the new soap schedule as ITV’s new “Power Hour”, with Emmerdale airing at 8pm followed by Coronation Street at 8:30pm, Monday to Friday.

However, the move is expected to cut up to 75 jobs, with many crewmembers already drafted into redundancy meetings.

And with former Managing Director of Continuing Drama and Head of ITV in the North John Whiston retiring this month, Iain MacLeod – who has helmed both Emmerdale and Corrie before – has been promoted.

The Executive Producer for Continuing Drama is now Creative Director and takes on all editorial responsibility for leading the creative teams who produce both Emmerdale and Coronation Street.

Reporting directly to the managing director of ITV, Iain will be the last word on both shows, adding to a feeling that a merge, at least backstage, is coming.

But another great concern is also looming surrounding the highly publicised Coronation Street and Emmerdale crossover episode, created to launch the aforementioned new soap “Power Hour” next year.

ITV chiefs have gone on record to confirm the special episode, which will see the many of the characters from both soaps cross paths, as a “one night only” experience.

However, insiders claim the move is not just a gimmick to publicise the new schedule, it’s also a mini experiment to see if crew can work across both soaps in another cost-cutting exercise.

The TV insider added: “The crossover episode has provided much fanfare but there is a deeper reason behind it.

“Viewers may think it’s just Ken Barlow turning up in the Woolpack or Mandy Dingle popping into Roy’s Rolls, but behind the wacky plotlines is a genuine glimpse into the future of how crewmembers will be expected to work, being across both soaps.

“It’s a galling prospect for many but could end up being a reality and there’s a feeling significant savings could be made on production costs – even if the quality of the output will be seriously affected.”

And another big worry coming from the talent-side is yet more episode cuts.

The move to reduce episodes from six to five came as a shock to cast and there’s an expectancy the only way is down from here.

Another source said: “Castmembers on both soaps are fuming and also concerned by the cuts.

“Their livelihoods are at stake and they feel it puts incredible pressure on the downsized teams to produce the same quality output with over 200 jobs cut.

“It feels like a kick in the teeth,” added the source.

The Sun revealed earlier this year cost-cutting on Corrie even saw bosses cut back using multiple characters on each episode to keep appearance fees down.

Historically, cast would get a standard fee for appearing in an episode – even if it was for just one scene – but that’s now been scaled back.
And the older stars, many of whom are on big contracts, have been overlooked in favour of using cheaper newcomers.

ITV showed their ruthless streak this week but culling award-winning shows including Loose Women and Lorraine, sparking anger behind the scenes.

Long-running panel show Loose Women will now only be shown in term time and Lorraine has been cut down from one hour episodes to 30-minutes – also airing 30 weeks of the year.

The move comes despite Lorraine Kelly’s show seeing a ratings spike and Loose Women winning awards.

Bosses want both shows, as well as This Morning, to be directed and produced by one team sharing resources and operations.

The culling of Daytime, and the feared butchering of Coronation Street and Emmerdale, will free up more cash for ITV to make blockbuster dramas, such as Mr Bates vs The Post Office, and improve coverage of big sporting tournaments including the World Cup, which they see as big revenue drivers.

Just like soaps used to be…

An ITV spokeswoman said: “These claims aren’t true. ITV has been clear that the crossover episode is a one-off occasion to launch the new scheduling pattern for Coronation Street and Emmerdale in January 2026. 

“Both programmes will then continue to broadcast separate, individual episodes.

“The crossover episode will be purely story driven and is a first for British Soap.

“The idea certainly hasn’t been conceived for financial reasons. In fact the spectacular combined launch episode will cost a great deal more than regular episodes.

“We are proud to have the opportunity to be able to deliver this special moment for fans of both programmes.”

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