Emmerdale fans upset over latest scheduling announcement - here's why we think it's a good thing

Fans of Emmerdale have grown upset following the latest scheduling announcement from broadcaster ITV. In a massive shake-up to TV schedules, the soap will now be streaming on ITVX from 7am on weekdays – starting with next week’s episodes.

Along with fellow ITV soap Coronation Street, Emmerdale will be part of an all-new soaps destination feature on streaming service ITVX. This means that all-new episodes will be made available ahead of their usual transmission time during the week.

“This is great news for soap fans! Having the ability to catch your favourite show at a time that suits you fits perfectly with people’s busy days and flexible lives. And who doesn’t love the idea of watching the latest Dingle drama in the Dales or calamity on the Cobbles on the tram to work, or over a brew after dropping the kids at school! As a soap nerd, I should also say that the new soap page is an absolute treat. It’s a one-stop shop for fans of Coronation Street and Emmerdale and it will now be so easy to enjoy your favourite shows, and delve into their illustrious histories and beyond,” agreed Iain MacLeod, Executive Producer for Continuing Drama at ITV.

Good news for early-risers hoping for an early fix of their favourite soap. However, others aren’t quite so happy…

Moira looks sad as she talks to Cain on Emmerdale — Next week’s episodes sees Cain and the Dingles learn of Zak’s death (Credit: ITV)

Emmerdale fans unhappy at early release

Writing on X as the announcement landed, fans shared their disappointment – with many fearing that spoilers would be even harder to avoid than usual now.

“Hate this as for people who work the spoilers are out before they get home to watch,” wrote one fan.

“Note to self then to avoid social media, as spoilers will be more visible if episodes are shown on ITVX before the normal time,” said another.

“Why would I want to do that? I leave for work at 7.45am three days a week and wouldn’t have time to watch them,” complained a third.

“Not a fan of this,” said a fourth, simply enough.

Emmerdale's Dingle grieving ZaK at home — Viewers won’t have to wait until 7pm to find out how the Dingles react to Zak’s death (Credit: ITV)

… and here’s why it’s a good thing

It’s not all doom and gloom though. Emmerdale following EastEnders’ lead in dropping the episode on the morning of broadcast makes it more accessible than ever for viewers, allowing them to watch in their own time.

Spoilers may be harder to avoid, but it’s a positive move for Emmerdale and Corrie, making the soaps less beholden to terrestrial television and helping viewers to watch on their own terms.

Emmerdale’s all-new streaming schedule starts from next Monday, October 14. Viewers can stream from 7am on ITVX as the Dingles learn the shocking news that family patriarch Zak has passed away.

The new dedicated Soap area on ITV can be accessed through the “Dive Deeper into ITVX…” section in the new Soap collection area.

Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm.

Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm.

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