Chris Bisson, known for his role as Jai Sharma in Emmerdale, has announced a significant scheduling change for the popular ITV soap. Starting January 6, Emmerdale will transition to an 8 PM time slot, followed by Coronation Street at 8:30 PM. This new arrangement, termed the “soap power hour,” will see both shows airing five 30-minute episodes each week.
Permanent Scheduling Changes in Emmerdale
This shift marks a departure from the traditional model, where Emmerdale aired longer episodes on Thursdays. Bisson discussed this evolution during the red carpet launch of the special Corriedale crossover episode. He expressed excitement for the new schedule, highlighting that fans have long awaited a collision of storylines between the two iconic shows.
Benefits of the New Format
Bisson noted that the change should alleviate previous frustrations about fluctuating broadcast times, especially concerning interruptions for sports programming. “No more moaning that they are shifting Corrie around because of the football,” he said, assuring viewers that they will now have a consistent viewing window from 8 PM to 9 PM daily.
- New Time Slots: Emmerdale at 8 PM, Coronation Street at 8:30 PM
- Airing Schedule: Five 30-minute episodes per week
Returning to Storytelling Roots
Bisson, who has been part of the soap world for over 25 years, shared his thoughts on the contemporary viewing experience. He believes that the half-hour episodes lend themselves to better storytelling. “It is like the old-fashioned way,” he noted, reflecting on his beginnings in Coronation Street.
According to Bisson, the new format allows for more cohesive storytelling without the pressure of dramatic stunts in longer episodes. “You can weave it all together,” he stated, advocating for the engaging nature of these shorter segments.
Emmerdale will continue to entertain audiences with its episodes starting Monday, January 5, at 7 PM, and the special crossover episode, Corriedale, airing at 8 PM. Viewers can also catch episodes on ITVX for convenience.
