In a television event that’s already generating major buzz among soap fans, Emmerdale and Coronation Street are officially joining forces for a one-off crossover episode—and it’s set to hit our screens in January 2026. This landmark special will also serve as the launchpad for ITV’s brand-new “Soap Power Hour”, a thrilling initiative that will air on both ITV1 and STV, bringing together two of Britain’s most beloved soaps in a way we’ve never seen before.

For the very first time, characters from Emmerdale and Coronation Street will appear in the same storyline, crossing paths in ways fans could only dream of until now. As part of the interactive format, viewers will even get to vote on which two characters—one from each show—they most want to see meet. This unique opportunity allows fans to shape a piece of soap history, ensuring the episode is packed with unforgettable moments and fan-favourite pairings.

The anticipation is already sky-high, and it’s got everyone speculating about what could unfold. Could old secrets be revealed? Will unexpected friendships (or rivalries) spark? One thing’s for sure: this crossover promises high drama, emotional twists, and a celebration of everything fans love about these iconic British shows.

We’re so excited about the crossover episode (Credit: ITV)

1. Save the Rovers in Emmerdale and Coronation Street crossover episode

The Woolpack seems to pack in the punters despite having stiff competition from the Hide. Admittedly most of those punters are Dingles, but at least the pub is usually busy – unlike the Rovers.

For years now, the Rovers has no longer been the place where the residents of Coronation Street spend their hard-earned cash. Instead, it’s a sad shell of a place with Weatherfield’s inhabitants opting for the Bistro or Speed Dhal instead.

But! Never fear. Because the Rovers is up for sale! It is wishful thinking to hope that Chas Dingle could branch out into Manchester boozer, but perhaps she and Charity could give whoever buys the Rovers a few tips?
Perhaps someone from Coronation Street could expose John’s secrets? (Credit: ITV)

2. K!ller experience

There have been no shortages of serial k!llers on both sides of the Pennines, but when it comes to ‘accidental’ murderers, Corrie has definitely got the edge.

With their experience of d3aling with John Stape and Stephen Reid, maybe the Coronation Street residents could unmask John Sugden and expose his crimes?! We’d love to see Fiz twig that John’s not all he’s pretending to be. Or perhaps Carla could warn Victoria to watch out for her brother – after all, Carla Connor is no stranger to evil siblings herself.
Swirling would fit right in at Weatherfield Police Station! (Credit: ITV)

3. Top cops

Well, well, well what do we have here then? Is it a vacancy at Weatherfield Police Station since the sad departure of PC Craig Tinker? It is! And who would be the perfect recruit? Why, PC Swirling of course!

He’s the perfect choice to join the team at Weathy copshop. And we’d love to see him give Swain one of his withering looks. Mind you, she’s got a good line in withering looks herself. It’s a match made in heaven!
No one can compete with Steph’s family trauma! (Credit: ITV/ Composite EI!)

4. Long-lost family

Davina McCall’s not got the monopoly on reuniting families – the good people of Emmerdale and Weatherfield are no strangers to new family members showing up.

Perhaps Gemma Winter Brown could give Ross Barton some advice about how to deal with his new brother Lewis, now she’s got to know her own new sibling Kit.

Or maybe Carla could have a chat with Jai Sharma about how it feels when your dad turns out not to be your dad after all. Though sadly for Steph Miligan, we’re not sure there’s anyone in Corrie who can ease her pain over her parentage.

Perhaps the crossover episode could even explore some family links between the shows? We reckon Bernie could be a long-lost Dingle!
Bob’s got a flare for the dramatic – just like Glenda! (Credit: ITV/Composite: EI)

5. A new couple in the Emmerdale and Coronation Street crossover?

Of course the thing we’d all love to see would be some romance between our soap faves. We can’t hope for a wedding given that the crossover is only for one episode, but a brief, romantic encounter could be fun. Maybe the perfect man for Glenda is waiting in the Yorkshire dales. Imagine her and Bob as a couple! They’d be cruise-ship-tastic.

Perhaps Belle Dingle could hook up with Carl Webster – if only to stop Abi making eyes at him the whole time. And we reckon Todd Grimshaw would be much better off if he ditched Theo, and got it on with Aaron. He’d be much better for lovely Mr Dingle than John Sugden is!
Shuttleworth’s would be kept busy in Emmerdale (Credit: ITV)

6. Funeral fun!

Speaking of Todd, he’d make a k!lling (ho ho) if he were to open a branch of Shuttleworth’s in Emmerdale. The amount of funerals that take place in that tiny village would keep him busy 24/7!