“Corriedale” Crossover Event Set to Unite Coronation Street and Emmerdale in Historic TV First
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ITV is poised to deliver a groundbreaking television event, uniting the casts of its long-running soap operas, Coronation Street and Emmerdale, in a special crossover episode dubbed “Corriedale.” The highly anticipated hour-long special is scheduled to air on Monday, January 5th, at 8 p.m., offering viewers a unique and dramatic storyline that will intertwine the lives of characters from both shows.
A New Era for ITV Soaps
The crossover event arrives alongside significant scheduling changes for both series. Beginning in January 2026, ITV will implement a “soap power hour” from Monday to Friday, featuring 30-minute episodes of Emmerdale at 8 p.m., followed by 30-minute episodes of Coronation Street at 8:30 p.m. This restructuring prompted producers to devise a compelling narrative bridge between the two distinct universes, allowing for a one-time collaboration before characters return to their respective settings in Manchester and Yorkshire.
Dramatic Multi-Vehicle Crash Forms the Core of the Story
The central event driving the “Corriedale” narrative is a devastating multi-vehicle crash occurring on a country road near the village of Hotten. According to reports, the incident will leave characters from both Coronation Street and Emmerdale in need of urgent assistance as emergency services arrive at the chaotic scene. While specific plot details remain tightly guarded, a cast list of 40 actors has been confirmed, including Coronation Street’s Julia Goulding, known for her portrayal of Shona Platt since 2016.
Behind the Scenes with Julia Goulding
Goulding described her involvement as a “massive privilege,” noting that not all cast members were able to participate in the historic event. “When we found out about it, I was hopeful and then absolutely buzzing when I found out that I was going to be in it,” she shared with the Manchester Evening News. Filming took place over several weeks, primarily during nighttime shoots.
Despite the demanding schedule, Goulding found the experience surprisingly enjoyable. “You know what, it wasn’t that bad!” she explained. “We had five weeks of night shoots, so I think I did about three of them, me and Jack [P Shepherd].” The cast sustained energy through copious amounts of tea and Haribo candies, fostering a collaborative atmosphere with their Emmerdale counterparts. “It just felt like being at home, even though we weren’t in our own environment. It was nice,” Goulding added.
Challenges of Filming a Dramatic Scene
The scenes involving Goulding and co-star Jack P. Shepherd, who plays David Platt, presented unique challenges. Their characters are depicted in the aftermath of the crash, with a pregnant Shona facing an already difficult situation – having recently learned her unborn daughter has a tumor requiring potentially high-risk surgery. Goulding admitted that wearing the pregnancy suit was “not fun,” describing it as heavy and cumbersome, and contributing to a painful neck injury. “I’ve been in the same costume for five weeks because it was a wedding outfit…got a tight dress and I got heels on. Not the most practical,” she said.
Despite the discomfort, the cast was well-supported by the production team, with Goulding praising the “amazing” catering staff and the abundance of cakes available each night.
Anticipating Viewer Reaction and Inter-Soap Curiosity
Goulding believes the crossover will resonate with viewers, even those who typically only watch one of the soaps. “This is a world we’ve never been in before,” she stated. “I think even if you only watch one of the soaps and not the other, I don’t think you’ll feel alienated from it because of the way they’ve done it. Everybody’s story has its own thread.” She also expressed hope that the event would encourage viewers to explore the other series.
Goulding herself is eager to learn more about the storylines unfolding in Emmerdale, particularly those involving the character of Charity Dingle, played by Emma Atkins. “I can’t wait to find out what’s happening with Charity,” she confessed. “Honestly, I’m like, Emma, tell me everything!’ She’s like, ‘I know nothing…’ and I’m like, ‘No, you need to tell me!'”
