Emmerdale Off Air on Friday 6 November as Rugby Takes Over ITV1
Emmerdale is off air on Friday 6 November 2026 as ITV1 broadcasts Nations Championship rugby. Here's why the soap is missing.
Emmerdale viewers will have to wait a little longer for their next visit to the Yorkshire Dales, with the ITV soap absent from its usual evening slot on Friday 6 November 2026.
The programme, which normally airs at 8pm, is making way for live coverage of the Nations Championship. Coronation Street will also be affected, leaving ITV1 without its regular Friday evening soap hour.
Why Is Emmerdale Not on ITV1?
International rugby is responsible for the change, with Ireland taking on Argentina at Dublin's Aviva Stadium. The match begins at 8.10pm, meaning ITV's coverage clashes with Emmerdale's usual broadcast time.
The Nations Championship features leading rugby nations from both hemispheres, with November bringing another round of international fixtures following the competition's opening matches earlier in the year.
For Emmerdale fans, it means a break from the village's ongoing storylines as sport takes over the evening schedule.
When Can Viewers Watch Emmerdale Again?
Emmerdale is expected to return to its usual 8pm slot on Monday 9 November, although viewers should check ITV's final listings nearer the date.
The programme has aired in a regular half-hour weekday slot since ITV introduced its new soap schedule in January 2026, with Coronation Street following immediately afterwards.
The change on 6 November is another example of live sporting events taking priority over the broadcaster's usual evening programmes.
Emmerdale normally airs Monday to Friday at 8pm on ITV1, with episodes also available on ITVX for viewers who prefer to watch online.
