Big news for Emmerdale fans – tonight's the night your favourite soap takes an unexpected break. But here's where it gets controversial... the reason has nothing to do with filming delays or behind-the-scenes drama. Instead, the disruption comes from ITV's live coverage of an international football clash.
Emmerdale, which normally entertains viewers every weekday at 7.30pm on ITV1 (and also via ITVX streaming), is skipping its usual slot to make way for England vs Wales at Wembley. The match coverage kicks off at 7:00pm, with the game starting at 7:45pm. ITV will carry the broadcast right through to 10:05pm, before handing over to ITV News at Ten until 10:35pm.
For those feeling abandoned tonight – don't panic. Emmerdale returns Friday at the same familiar time, 7:30pm, with a classic 30-minute episode. And hidden inside that episode is a plot bombshell most viewers won’t see coming.
But here's the twist – this isn’t the only time the soap is being sidelined. Next Tuesday (October 14), Emmerdale will again vanish from ITV1’s evening schedule in favour of another football match: Latvia vs England in the FIFA World Cup Group K qualifier. Once again, coverage runs from 7:00pm until 10:05pm, following that same 7:45pm kick-off.
When Emmerdale does return after tonight’s break, the drama in the village escalates sharply. Police arrive at Jimmy King and Nicola Wheeler's home with disturbing news – their son, Carl Holliday, is accused of sharing an explicit image involving Dawn Taylor's adopted daughter, Clemmie Reed. The shock ripples through families and friendships, sparking a tense confrontation.
Carl faces a police interview, while Clemmie later reveals to Dawn the reasons she sent him the photo. This revelation leaves Dawn burdened with guilt, particularly as she tries – and fails – to have a constructive conversation with Nicola. Things spiral further when Nicola and Laurel Thomas realise they have almost no idea what their kids are viewing online, prompting them to join forces in an effort to protect them from similar dangers.
Meanwhile, Dawn speaks with school officials about the lack of support Clemmie received after her ordeal, which leads her to open up about her own past trauma. This emotional storyline promises to challenge viewers to think deeply about the online safety of children, parental responsibility, and whether schools are doing enough.
Emmerdale normally airs weeknights at 7.30pm on ITV1 and is available on demand via ITVX.
So, here's the question for you – should broadcasters prioritise national sports over scheduled entertainment, knowing fans miss major cliffhangers? Or should soaps like Emmerdale hold their ground in the TV schedule? Drop your thoughts below – and let's see whose side the audience is really on.
