Coronation Street and Emmerdale Make Way for a Big Night for the Soaps at the NTAs

Coronation Street and Emmerdale will both be missing from ITV’s schedule on Tuesday 8 September, but there is a very good reason for the change as some of television’s biggest soap names head into the spotlight at the National Television Awards 2026.

Rather than a usual night of soap drama, ITV1 will broadcast the awards live from London’s O2 Arena from 8pm until 10.30pm, with Joel Dommett returning to host the 31st ceremony. The evening will celebrate programmes and performers from across British television, with viewers once again deciding many of the winners

For soap fans, there is plenty to watch out for. Coronation Street and Emmerdale are both nominated in the Serial Drama category alongside EastEnders and Casualty, meaning two of ITV’s biggest continuing dramas will be competing for one of the night’s key awards.

Coronation Street also has another reason to celebrate, with Sue Devaney nominated for her performance as Debbie Webster. Her latest storyline has placed Debbie at the centre of some hugely emotional scenes, and the nomination gives Corrie fans another name to support during the ceremony.

Elsewhere, the awards feature plenty of familiar television favourites. Heated Rivalry is nominated in New Drama, while Trigger Point, Bridgerton, Blue Lights, Call the Midwife and Stranger Things are among the shows competing in Returning Drama. Vicky McClure is also nominated for Drama Performance for her role as Lana Washington in Trigger Point.

David Attenborough has secured two nominations, while Alison Hammond, Ant & Dec, Claudia Winkleman and Stacey Solomon are among those competing for TV Presenter.

The ITV schedule will look slightly different before the ceremony too. Regional news airs at 6pm followed by the ITV Evening News at 6.30pm, with Millionaire Hot Seat taking the 7.30pm slot before the NTAs begin at 8pm.

So while there will be no new Coronation Street or Emmerdale episode on Tuesday night, soap fans are far from being left out. Instead, both shows will be part of a major celebration of British television, with plenty of familiar faces and some big awards up for grabs.

The National Television Awards 2026 airs live on ITV1 and ITVX from 8pm on Tuesday 8 September.

Keep an eye on SoapLandTV for the latest Coronation Street and Emmerdale schedule updates, spoilers and news.