Soap fans, brace yourselves! ITV is set to make history with an unprecedented crossover event uniting two of the UK’s most beloved soap operas, Coronation Street and Emmerdale

. Earlier this year, ITV executives confirmed that the shows will merge for the first time in an explosive, hour-long special aptly titled Corriedale. Slated to air in early January 2026,

this landmark episode will inaugurate ITV’s new ‘soap power hour’ scheduling block, promising a night of drama, heart-stopping action, and unforgettable storytelling for fans of both Weatherfield and the Yorkshire Dales.

The recently released teaser trailer has left viewers on tenterhooks. Set against a backdrop of torrential rain and stormy skies, the trailer unveils the chilling aftermath of a multi-vehicle pile-up on a remote country road near Hotten, immediately hinting at the chaos and heartbreak to come. Fans are already speculating which characters will survive, which relationships will shatter, and how the intertwining worlds of Coronation Street and Emmerdale will collide in this thrilling event.

With anticipation building, we take a look back at the stars who have graced both Weatherfield and Emmerdale over the years—actors whose journeys have traversed the cobbles and the village alike.

Claire King
First up is the legendary Claire King, the indomitable Kim Tate on Emmerdale, a character synonymous with cunning, ambition, and power at Home Farm since 1989. Claire’s portrayal has cemented her as one of soap’s most iconic matriarchs, commanding respect and fear in equal measure. Yet, during a lengthy hiatus from Emmerdale between 1999 and 2018, Claire brought her talent to Coronation Street, joining the cast as Erica Holroyd from 2014 to 2017.

Erica’s storyline was peppered with intrigue and romance. A confidante of Liz McDonald and former flame of Dev Alahan, she entangled herself with Nick Tilsley, attempted to seduce Kevin Webster, and ultimately vanished to Spain, leaving a trail of heartbreak in her wake. Claire’s seamless transition between two iconic soaps highlights her versatility and underscores why fans will be eager to see her return in any Corriedale teasers.

Sally Ann Matthews
Another fan favourite with dual soap credentials is Sally Ann Matthews, best known as Jenny Connor on the cobbles since 1986. Earlier this year, viewers were devastated as Jenny departed Weatherfield for a fresh start in Tenerife, leaving a void in the hearts of fans.

But Sally’s soap journey didn’t begin and end on the cobbles. During her hiatus from Coronation Street between 1993 and 2015, she portrayed Sandra Briggs in Emmerdale from 2005 to 2006. Sandra, married to farmer Craig Briggs, became embroiled in an intense family feud with the notorious King clan, creating drama that still resonates with long-time viewers. Her experiences in both soaps showcase her remarkable range, from the intimate struggles of Weatherfield to the rural tensions of the Dales.

Daniel Brocklebank
Fans of Weatherfield will know Daniel Brocklebank as the beloved vicar Billy Mayhew, a role he has held since 2014. However, Daniel’s Corrie journey is set to take a dramatic turn, with upcoming episodes revealing his departure from the cobbles.

Before his iconic role on Coronation Street, Daniel appeared in Emmerdale as Ivan Jones from 2005 to 2006. Ivan arrived in the village as a binman for King and Sons, fresh from a separation, and soon found himself entangled in the romantic lives of Toni Daggert and Paul Lambert. His departure to Costa Rica marked the end of a chapter filled with love, heartbreak, and village intrigue—experiences that undoubtedly shaped Daniel’s later performances on the cobbles.

Chris Bisson
Fans of Emmerdale will immediately recognize Chris Bisson, who has brought Jai Sharma to life since 2009. However, Chris also made a memorable mark on Coronation Street as Vikram Desai from 1999 to 2002.

Vikram’s storyline on the cobbles was fraught with drama, from co-founding Street Cars alongside Steve McDonald to his entanglement in a drug smuggling scandal that ultimately forced him to flee to Mumbai. Chris’s transition from the high-stakes business world of Weatherfield to the layered family drama of the Sharmas in Emmerdale illustrates his exceptional range and ability to captivate audiences across different soap universes.

Paula Lane

Paula Lane, best known as Kylie Platt on Coronation Street from 2010 to 2016, captured viewers’ hearts with her tumultuous life, which ended tragically in 2016. Yet her soap legacy did not end there. In 2024, Paula joined Emmerdale as Ella Forster, a receptionist at Brook Cottage Surgery with a dark secret: she had killed her childhood best friend, Joanne Phillips, and later became entangled in a deadly scheme orchestrated by John Sugden. Forced to leave the village under duress, Ella’s gripping narrative cemented Paula’s reputation for portraying complex, emotionally charged characters.

Oliver Farnworth
Finally, we come to Oliver Farnworth, who played Andy Carver on the cobbles from 2014 to 2017, before making a dramatic return to soaps in 2024 as John Sugden in Emmerdale. John quickly established himself as a menacing presence, a murderer with a twisted hero complex whose actions terrorized the village. His current fugitive status leaves audiences wondering whether he will ever return—and whether the Corriedale special could somehow bring him back into the fray.

As Corriedale approaches, the crossover episode promises to honor the legacies of these multi-soap actors while delivering an unforgettable spectacle. The intersection of Weatherfield’s cobbles and the rural charm of Emmerdale, amplified by the star power of actors who have navigated both worlds, ensures a night of drama, suspense, and jaw-dropping revelations.

From Claire King’s matriarchal brilliance to Daniel Brocklebank’s heartfelt moral compass, from Chris Bisson’s high-stakes scheming to Paula Lane’s dark secrets, these actors embody the rich tapestry of British soap opera. As Corriedale gears up to air in January 2026, fans can expect not just a collision of villages, but a celebration of the talent that has kept audiences enthralled for decades.

One thing is certain: when Coronation Street meets Emmerdale, soap history will be made, and fans across the UK will be glued to their screens for one unforgettable hour of drama, heartbreak, and the kind of storytelling only British soaps can deliver.