Emmerdale fans are in for disappointment tonight as ITV’s beloved Yorkshire soap has been removed from the schedule to make room for live football coverage. The change affects the usual Thursday night hour-long episode, leaving viewers without their nightly dose of village drama.

England vs Wales Takes the Spotlight

ITV has cleared its evening lineup for the England vs Wales International Football Match, marking the teams’ first clash since England’s 3–0 victory in the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Coverage begins at 7pm, with kick-off at 7:45pm, live from Wembley Stadium. The match will air until 10.05pm, followed by ITV News at Ten.

Fans quickly noticed Emmerdale’s absence from the schedule, taking to social media to voice their frustration. “No Emmerdale on the 9th or 14th October then? The football is so annoying!” one viewer posted on X (formerly Twitter). Another added, “We’re not impressed with the schedulers. Thursday night is Emmerdale night!”

When Will Emmerdale Return?

Fortunately, viewers won’t have to wait long. Emmerdale returns on Friday night with a 30-minute episode at 7:30pm, resuming where the story left off. However, another disruption looms next week as ITV once again prioritises football.

On Tuesday, 14 October, the soap will be bumped from the schedule for live coverage of the FIFA World Cup Group K qualifier between Latvia and England. The broadcast will run from 7pm to 10.05pm, with Emmerdale returning to normal from Wednesday onward.

Drama Continues in the Dales

While viewers wait, the fictional village of Emmerdale remains in turmoil. John Sugden has gone on the run after his crimes were exposed, while Celia Daniels has been revealed as the mastermind behind the village’s recent drug trafficking ring.

Meanwhile, Charity Dingle faces a shocking twist in her surrogacy story. The baby she’s carrying isn’t her granddaughter Sarah’s or her partner Mack Boyd’s, but rather Ross Barton’s, following a secret affair. To protect her secret, Charity has even convinced her son Ryan Stocks to falsify the paternity results.

With revelations, betrayals, and scandals brewing, Emmerdale’s return promises chaos — just as fans like it.