Fans of Britain's longest-running soap opera are in for a surprise this weekend as Coronation Street disappears from our screens in an unusual scheduling move.
What's Happening to Coronation Street?
Regular viewers who typically settle in for their dose of Weatherfield drama on Sunday, October 29th will find the cobbles conspicuously absent from ITV's lineup. This isn't another dramatic plot twist involving Stephen Reid or a factory collapse - it's a planned programming change that affects the entire weekend schedule.
The Rugby World Cup Final Takes Centre Stage
The reason for Corrie's temporary disappearance is one of the biggest sporting events of the year. ITV has cleared its Sunday evening schedule to make way for comprehensive coverage of the Rugby World Cup 2023 Final. The championship match between New Zealand and South Africa is commanding prime broadcasting real estate, pushing regular programming aside.
Instead of catching up with the residents of Weatherfield, viewers will be treated to live coverage from the Stade de France in Paris, where rugby's ultimate prize will be decided in what promises to be an unforgettable showdown.
When Will Coronation Street Return?
Don't panic, Corrie fans - this is only a temporary hiatus. The soap will return to its regular slots at the beginning of the week. You can expect to catch up with all the dramatic developments in:
- Monday's episode at 8pm on ITV1
- The subsequent episode at 9:30pm on ITV1
For those who can't wait until Monday, all current episodes remain available to stream on ITVX, allowing you to binge-watch recent storylines and get your Coronation Street fix whenever you want.
Not the First Time
This isn't the first time major sporting events have disrupted soap schedules, and it certainly won't be the last. Broadcasters frequently adjust their programming around significant national and international sporting occasions, from football tournaments to rugby championships.
While it might be disappointing for dedicated Coronation Street followers to miss their weekend episode, the scheduling change demonstrates ITV's commitment to bringing viewers major live sporting events as they happen.
So this Sunday, instead of drama on the cobbles, prepare for drama on the pitch - normal Weatherfield service will resume promptly on Monday evening.
