Emmerdale fans dealt another blow as ITV soap pulled off air and replaced in shake-up

Emmerdale fans are bound to be disappointed as the soap has been taken off ITV’s schedule to make way for other coverage, so they’ll have to wait for their dose of Dales drama

Emmerdale has been pulled from ITV’s schedule and replaced.

Viewers are bound to be disappointed on Thursday night (October 10) as they won’t be able to get their regular fix of Dales drama until Friday. The soap has been taken off of the schedule to make way for the football as it’s been replaced by coverage of the UEFA Nations League.

Those unaware of the change won’t be watching what happens to Belle Dingle and her abusive husband Tom. Instead, they’ll see Italy will take on Belgium at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome from 7pm on Thursday.

Emmerdale normally airs at 7.30pm but the match and analysis is due to air until 10pm, so there’s no room for the episode, reports OK!. However, fans won’t be without their beloved soap for long as they’ll be able to tune in on Friday at 7.30pm for the next episode.

But fans are likely to complain about the shake-up – soap lovers have a long history of airing their frustration at their soaps being pulled for sport. Earlier this year they complained when the Euros coverage meant that the soaps were moved all over the schedule during the summer.

Some viewers have suggested bosses create a dedicated sports channel for their coverage of high-profile football games to avoid the constant schedule shifts. Belle’s struggle with abusive husband Tom as he tries to deny her accusations has left soap fans desperate so see his downfall and Moira’s diagnosis with a brain tumour has viewers worried for her future.

And next week, the Dingles will learn that patriarch Zak has died his funeral is held. Zak’s death comes after actor Steve Halliwell passed away last December aged 77.

Jeff Hordley, who plays Zak’s son Cain, said of the soap’s farewell to Zak: “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.”