Coronation Street and Emmerdale are to get new times in Ireland as part of a major Virgin Media schedule shake-up.
The much-loved ITV soaps will see their times altered from next week.
It means that from Monday, Emmerdale will air at a consistent 7.30pm slot, while Coronation Street will now broadcast hour-long episodes on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 8pm.
Virgin Media Television is following British broadcaster ITV's suit, after they confirmed that they are changing their soap schedules in order to extend their news and current affairs coverage.
The new time slots mean Virgin Media News at 8 will now move to the earlier time of 7pm, RSVP Live reports.
Emmerdale's 7.30pm episodes will also clash with EastEnders each weeknight, as that will also air at the same time on RTE One and BBC One.
However, soap fans are being reminded they still catch up with both shows by opting for +1 programming or streaming episodes on Virgin Media and RTE Players.
Speaking in January, John Whiston, ITV's Managing Director of Continuing Drama said: "With Coronation Street bursting at the seams with fantastic story and character, the new format gives the show a brilliant new canvas on which to shine. And Emmerdale will do what it does best in this new time slot where viewers can continue to enjoy the dramatic goings on in the Dales."
ITV’s Managing Director of Media and Entertainment, Kevin Lygo added: "Coronation Street and Emmerdale are fundamental to the success of ITV, and we know that, as with all dramas, viewers increasingly watch them whenever, and however they choose. The new scheduling means that viewers can watch them live on TV in one go in a continuous soap fix, as well as on ITV Hub where they are regularly in the most watched shows every month."
Emmerdale are celebrating their 50th anniversary later this year, and bosses previously teased a month full of huge celebrations - and of course a lot of drama - as the show marks the occasion.
Next week on Coronation Street, Kelly struggles to balance caring for Laura with her other commitments and Nick blames Sam's chess obsession for a decline in his schoolwork.
Over on Emmerdale, Manpreet visits Meena, Charity and Chas are still not seeing eye to eye and Rhona is shocked when her mum arrives out of the blue.
Tune into Coronation Street next week at 8pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and Emmerdale at 7.30pm each weeknight on Virgin Media One.
