ITV soaps in major scheduling shake up as Coronation Street is taken off air TONIGHT and Emmerdale moves time slots

ITV has cancelled Coronation Street tonight and moved Emmerdale in a huge schedule shake-up.

The broadcaster has dropped Friday's usual visit to the Weatherfield cobbles from the TV guide.

Instead the opening match of The Six Nations Championship will be broadcast in its place as France take on Ireland.

The match means Emmerdale has been brought forward from its usual 7pm start time.

Fans will have to tune in at the earlier time of 6.45pm for the latest fix from the Dales.

A synopsis for the episode reads: "Wendy is worried that Bob has lost hope, Lydia fears that Sam doesn't want her any more, and Chas leaves for her holiday."

ITV aired an additional hour-long episode of Coronation Street on Wednesday night to make up for the disruption to their usual schedule.

Fans saw Tracy Barlow seduce Tommy Orpington as passions bubbled over in the kitchen.

The soap is set for more disruption next week too.

It will air an hour long episode on Monday, but is losing its regular Wednesday slot at 8pm for a live FA Cup match as Aston Villa take on Chelsea.

Fans have been left fuming by the last-minute ITV changes and raged on social media.

One said: "Need to go back to half hour #corrie episodes not only better to accompany Emmerdale Mon to Fri but also easier to re schedule episodes having to be moved during live sport evenings."

A second wrote: "So prime time Friday night and what’s on RUGBY, absolute disgrace."

"There are other channels for rugby,also could have put it on last night or ITVX," said a third.

While a fourth commented: "Outrageous! Could’ve put it on last night."

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