Emmerdale is on tonight, Monday, January 26, 2026, at 8:00 PM on ITV1. Under the “Soap Power Hour” schedule implemented at the start of the year, the soap now airs in a consistent 30-minute slot every weeknight from Monday to Friday. Following the 8:00 PM broadcast of Emmerdale, viewers can stay tuned for Coronation Street at 8:30 PM. For those who prefer digital viewing, tonight’s episode became available much earlier in the day, dropping on ITVX and STV Player at 7:00 AM. This fixed evening slot represents a significant change from previous years, as ITV has moved away from the 7:30 PM start time and the traditional hour-long Thursday episodes to provide a more “digestible” daily format for its millions of viewers.
Emmerdale’s New 2026 Broadcast Schedule
In early 2026, ITV overhauled its evening programming to create a dedicated “Soaps Power Hour,” designed to compete with streaming giants and fit modern viewing habits.
Monday to Friday Consistency
The days of checking the TV guide for fluctuating start times are over. As of January 2026, Emmerdale airs at 8:00 PM sharp every weeknight. This half-hour format (roughly 22 minutes of content plus advertisements) has replaced the old 7:30 PM slot. The change was driven by research showing that fans preferred a consistent “appointment to view” that leads directly into the night’s second big soap, Coronation Street.
The End of the Thursday Hour
A notable casualty of the 2026 schedule shake-up was the weekly one-hour Thursday special. To maintain a steady narrative pace across the week, all five episodes are now 30 minutes long. This ensures that big cliffhangers are distributed more evenly throughout the week rather than being bunched into a single night, keeping social media engagement high every single evening.
Streaming and Catch-Up: How to Watch Early
For fans who want to avoid spoilers on social media, the digital-first approach in 2026 is the best way to keep up with the residents of the village.
ITVX Morning Drops
Every morning at 7:00 AM, the evening’s Emmerdale episode is uploaded to ITVX. This “streaming-first” strategy allows early birds and commuters to watch the drama before they even head to work. It has fundamentally changed soap culture, as the “official” conversation often begins online hours before the 8:00 PM broadcast on ITV1.
Global Accessibility on STV Player
For viewers in Scotland, the same schedule applies via the STV Player. The 7:00 AM digital drop and the 8:00 PM broadcast ensure that the entire UK is synchronized. If you miss an episode, both ITVX and STV Player keep a rolling archive of the last 30 days, allowing you to binge-watch a week’s worth of drama over the weekend.
Tonight’s Spoilers: Monday, January 26, 2026
Tonight’s episode is a high-stakes installment focusing on the aftermath of a major village crime that has gripped viewers since the New Year.
Paddy’s Shocking Discovery
In tonight’s episode, Paddy Kirk (Dominic Brunt) uncovers a vital clue regarding the death of villainous Ray Walters. After weeks of being haunted by guilt, Paddy finds himself in a tense confrontation with DS Walsh. Paddy is desperately trying to protect his father, Bear Wolf, who was recently revealed to be Ray’s killer in a shocking “return from the dead” twist that aired last Thursday.
The Return of a Legend
The village is still reeling from the reappearance of Bear Wolf (Joshua Richards). While many believed he had perished during the New Year stunt, his survival and subsequent fatal attack on Ray Walters have created a “Dingle Conspiracy” of silence. Tonight, Paddy ensures that certain family members are out of earshot before sharing an “encouraging development” with Dylan Penders, setting the stage for a week of legal peril.
Practical Information and Planning
If you are a fan of the show or planning to visit the filming locations in 2026, here is the essential logistical data.
2026 Visitor Guide
- Filming Location: Harewood Estate, Leeds.
- Set Tours: Weekends only (due to the 5-day filming schedule).
- Tour Prices: £38 for standard adults; £55 for “Star Tours” featuring cast members.
- Transport: Shuttle buses run from Leeds City Centre and Harrogate for tour ticket holders.
- What to Expect: A 90-minute outdoor walk through the fictional village, including the Woolpack exterior and the church.
The 2026 “Soaps Power Hour” Strategy
The move to 8:00 PM wasn’t just about timing; it was a strategic rebranding of ITV’s prime-time lineup.
The Competition for Attention
By moving Emmerdale to 8:00 PM, ITV has positioned its flagship soaps as a “bridge” into its 9:00 PM dramas. This “Power Hour” creates a massive lead-in audience for new 2026 dramas like After The Flood and Winter. Soap bosses believe this pacey, 30-minute storytelling is more effective at retaining younger audiences who are used to shorter content formats.
Impact on Storytelling
Writers have adapted to the 2026 schedule by utilizing more “multi-strand” episodes. With only 30 minutes to work with, episodes often cut rapidly between three or four different storylines, ensuring that every character group—from the Tates at Home Farm to the Dingles at Wishing Well Cottage—gets screen time throughout the week.
The 2026 Cast: New Residents and Departures
The population of the Dales has seen a dramatic turnover in the first few weeks of 2026, with several mainstays making exits while iconic faces return to reclaim their territory.
Recent 2026 Departures
The New Year period was particularly brutal for the village, resulting in the loss of several characters:
- Ray Walters: Murdered by a mystery assailant (Investigation ongoing).
- Celia Daniels: The villainous matriarch was fatally stabbed by Ray Walters.
- Kev Townsend: Left the village following a failed attempt to reconcile with Robert Sugden.
- John Sugden: Met a tragic end during the “Corriedale” crash fallout.
High-Profile Returns
2026 is officially the “Year of the Comeback” for Emmerdale. Graham Foster (Andrew Scarborough) has made a sensational return from the dead, six years after his presumed murder, creating immediate tension for Kim Tate. Furthermore, Robert Sugden (Ryan Hawley) and Ross Barton (Michael Parr) have returned to full-time status, with Ross recently revealed as the biological father of Charity Dingle’s unborn baby.
The 2026 Storyline Roadmap
Producer Laura Shaw has confirmed that 2026 will be a year of “long-form emotional storytelling” mixed with high-octane stunts.
Cain Dingle’s Health Battle
Starting in late January 2026, the show is tackling a major prostate cancer storyline featuring Cain Dingle. This plot is designed to span the entirety of 2026 and 2027, focusing on the impact of the illness on the “tough man” of the Dales. Spoilers for tonight’s episode suggest Moira Dingle will struggle to balance Cain’s diagnosis with her own legal troubles involving human trafficking allegations.
Flashback Week: Ray’s Killer Revealed
Later this month, Emmerdale will air a special Flashback Week to finally reveal who killed Ray Walters. Suspects including Laurel, Rhona, and Marlon will each have dedicated episodes showing the night of the murder from their unique perspectives. This experimental format is a key part of the show’s 2026 strategy to maintain high viewer engagement during the new 8:00 PM slot.
54th Anniversary Special Plans
As the show approaches its 54th anniversary in October 2026, rumors are circulating about a “Village Reconstruction” stunt.
The Home Farm Siege
Early production leaks suggest the 2026 anniversary will center around a siege at Home Farm, involving the returning Graham Foster and a vengeful Joe Tate. This storyline is expected to utilize the show’s full technical capabilities, including the high-speed camera work first seen in the 2024 “Super Soap Week.”
New Character Introductions
Throughout the summer of 2026, fans can expect the arrival of Dylan Penders’ extended family, who will bring a “fresh, urban energy” to the rural setting. Additionally, a new veterinarian is slated to join the surgery to assist Rhona and Vanessa as their practice expands into a regional hub.
Practical Information and Viewing Tips
To ensure you never miss a moment of the 2026 drama, keep this practical checklist handy.
Optimal Viewing Setup
- ITVX Premium: Allows for ad-free viewing of the 7:00 AM early drops.
- Social Media Blackout: If you don’t watch at 7:00 AM, avoid the “Emmerdale Spoilers” hashtag on X (formerly Twitter) between 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM.
- Series Link: Ensure your DVR is updated; many older boxes still have the 7:30 PM slot saved, which will cause you to miss the start of the new 8:00 PM episodes.
FAQs
Who is the father of Charity’s baby in 2026?
It was confirmed in January 2026 that Ross Barton is the father, despite Mackenzie Boyd’s belief that the child is his.
Is Victoria Sugden leaving the show?
There is heavy speculation about a Victoria Sugden exit following her involvement in John Sugden’s death, though actress Isabel Hodgins remains on the 2026 cast list for now.
What was “Corriedale”?
“Corriedale” was a landmark crossover episode between Emmerdale and Coronation Street that aired in early January 2026, featuring a multi-vehicle crash on the border.
Is Graham Foster a ghost or actually alive?
Graham Foster is fully alive; he faked his death in 2020 and has returned with a secret agenda that will be revealed throughout 2026.
How many episodes of Emmerdale air per week in 2026?
The show airs five episodes per week, one every weeknight at 8:00 PM.
What happened to Bear Wolf?
Bear Wolf was held captive by Ray and Celia; while he was thought dead, he returned in a twist to kill Ray, though his own fate remains precarious.
Will there be a live episode in 2026?
While no live episode is officially scheduled for 2026, bosses have teased a “technically ambitious” stunt for the October anniversary.
Who is the newest character in the village?
The most recent regular addition is Dylan Penders, who has become a surrogate son to Paddy Kirk.
Can I visit the Woolpack interior in 2026?
The Woolpack interior is a closed set at the Leeds Studios; however, a replica is available to view at the Emmerdale Studio Experience.
Is Moira Dingle going to prison?
Moira has been arrested for human trafficking, a dark secret from her past that resurfaced in early 2026.
What time is Emmerdale on tonight?
It airs at 8:00 PM on ITV1 and STV.
Is Emmerdale on ITVX yet?
Yes, tonight’s episode was made available at 7:00 AM this morning on ITVX.
Why did the time change from 7:30 PM?
ITV moved the show to 8:00 PM in January 2026 to create a “Soaps Power Hour” with Coronation Street.
Is Bear Wolf still in Emmerdale?
Yes, Bear Wolf recently made a shock return and is a central character in the current “Ray Walters” murder plot.
Who is the current producer of Emmerdale?
As of 2026, Laura Shaw continues to lead the show as Executive Producer.
Is there an hour-long episode on Thursdays?
No, as of 2026, all weeknight episodes are 30 minutes long.
Can I watch Emmerdale in the USA?
Yes, fans in the US can typically stream episodes on BritBox shortly after the UK broadcast.
What channel is Emmerdale on?
In the UK, it is on ITV1 (HD), and in Scotland, it is on STV.
Who killed Ray Walters?
In a twist aired in late January 2026, Bear Wolf killed Ray Walters to protect Paddy.
Is Mandy Dingle returning tonight?
While Mandy has been mentioned in recent spoilers, her official 2026 return date is slated for next month.
Where is Emmerdale filmed?
The village is located on the Harewood Estate in West Yorkshire.
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