ITV faces wrath of Emmerdale fans as soap is pulled off air

Viewers love the fact that their soaps are screened on the same days and at the same time every week. So, when the shows are suddenly pulled from the schedule, normally to make way for sport, fans get understatedly irked when they find themselves sitting down to watch their favourite soap, only to discover that it’s not going to be on.

So, the news that ITV has pulled tonight’s episode of Emmerdale is bound to disappoint its loyal fans. ITV have cleared the planned schedule to make way for coverage of the UEFA Nations League. Italy will take on Belgium at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, with ITV kicking off their live action from 7pm tonight.

The match and analysis is scheduled to run until 10pm, which is long after Emmerdale’s normal 7.30pm slot, meaning the show’s usual Thursday episode has been forced off the air. Emmerdale will return on Friday at 7.30.

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The change will leave ITV in the firing line with fans, who have a long history of protesting against their soaps being pulled for sport, and were already frustrated earlier this year when the Euros coverage meant that the soaps were moved all over the schedule during the summer.

Viewers have previously raged at channel bosses, suggesting that they create a dedicated sports channel for their coverage of high-profile football games. The news will be particularly frustrating as fans are currently gripped by several stories running in Dales, and will hate to have their daily dose of drama interrupted.

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Belle’s struggle with abusive husband Tom as he tries to deny her accusations has left soap fans desperate so see his comeuppance, while Moira’s diagnosis with a brain tumour has viewers worried for her future.

Fans also know that next week sees the emotional episodes where the Dingles will learn that patriarch Zak has died his funeral is held. Zak’s death some after actor Steve Halliwell passed away last December aged 77.

Speaking on the atmosphere on set during the filming of the episodes dedicated to Zak’s goodbye, Jeff Hordley, who plays Zak’s son Cain, said: “Steve would have enjoyed this, because Steve always liked to have a giggle behind the camera – whilst we weren’t rolling, we made sure we had some laughs as well.

"Because when we do get together as a group, we do make sure that it’s fun to film. Jeff added that Steve “would have loved it that way.”