British soap fans are gearing up for one of the most ambitious television events in recent memory, but behind the scenes, not everyone is celebrating. While the highly anticipated Corriedale crossover

is already being hailed as a history-making moment for UK soaps, one Emmerdale legend has admitted they are “fuming” after being left out of the landmark episode—despite making it very clear they wanted to be involved.

The crossover special, set to air in early 2025, marks the first time Emmerdale and Coronation Street will merge their worlds for a dramatic, hour-long episode designed to celebrate the legacy, longevity,

and cultural impact of both iconic dramas. ITV has promised a groundbreaking storyline that intertwines the villages of Yorkshire and the streets of Weatherfield in an “ingenious” and unexpected way—one that will have “everlasting consequences for everyone involved.”

While producers are keeping the finer details tightly under wraps, excitement skyrocketed earlier this month when ITV released a chilling first-look trailer. The teaser plunges viewers straight into chaos: darkness, a violent storm, a twisting country road near Hotten, and the horrifying aftermath of a multi-vehicle collision that leaves lives hanging in the balance.

In the clip, frantic voices call out for help—voices viewers instantly recognised. David Platt’s urgent shouts, Tracy Barlow’s panicked cries, and the raw desperation of Liam Cavanagh and Aaron Dingle signal that characters from both soaps are intertwined in the same catastrophic moment. Emergency crews rush through rain and wreckage as a tense soundtrack sets the stage for the episode’s epic scale, hinting at a crossover that is more than just a gimmick—it’s an emotional collision course years in the making.

But while fans are thrilled, not everyone connected to the Emmerdale cast is celebrating. Dominic Brunt, the beloved actor behind fan-favourite Paddy Kirk, has revealed he was left disappointed—and more than a little irritated—after being excluded from the Corriedale lineup.

During a candid and humorous appearance on Loose Women, the long-time cast member didn’t mince his words. “Well, I’m fuming because I’m not in it,” he confessed, his typical dry wit barely hiding the sting. “And I made a heavy hint I wanted to be in it!”

Brunt, who has portrayed Paddy since 1997 and remains one of the soap’s longest-serving stars, explained that he had seen the scripts ahead of production—and was blown away. “I’d read the scripts and it’s incredible,” he said, praising the scale and creativity of the Corriedale crossover. He added with a laugh, “And it was weird having all the Corrie lot in our canteen, like Claire Sweeney nicking your chips!”

But while the actor’s comments were delivered with humour, fans quickly sensed the sincerity behind them. Paddy Kirk is a pillar of Emmerdale—one of its most recognisable, most consistently praised characters. For many viewers, his absence from such a historic moment felt like a missed opportunity. After all, Paddy has been at the heart of some of Emmerdale’s biggest, most emotionally resonant storylines over the past 25 years. He’s the kind of character who bridges eras, story shifts, cast changes and fan demographics. If anyone could hold their own opposite a Corrie titan like Roy Cropper or Steve McDonald, it’s Paddy.

Still, Brunt made it clear that while he may be disappointed, he has nothing but love for the project. “Honestly, it’s gonna be amazing,” he promised. “It’ll be a really, really good episode.” His supportive words have only added to fan speculation that perhaps future crossovers—or even a sequel to Corriedale—could expand its cast and bring legends like Paddy into the fold.

Adding to the excitement is a unique interactive twist: viewers have been given the rare chance to vote for which pairings from each soap will share a special crossover moment. ITV previously revealed a shortlist of actors who have been confirmed to film together—but only one of those scenes will make it to air, making fans directly responsible for shaping history.

Among the possible pairings is Emmerdale icon Emma Atkins (Charity Dingle), who is set to film opposite Coronation Street powerhouse Alison King (Carla Connor). This pairing alone had fans buzzing—two of the most dynamic, fearless women in soap history sharing a screen promises sparks.

James Hooton (Sam Dingle) announced that he will film with the hilarious Andy Whyment (Kirk Sutherland), a combination many viewers already expect to deliver comedic gold. Nicola Wheeler (Nicola King) will collaborate with David Neilson (Roy Cropper), a pairing that could provide an emotional, character-driven gem.

Meanwhile, Mike Parr, who reprised his role as Ross Barton for the crossover, is set to work alongside Corrie legend Kate Ford, who plays the iconic Tracy Barlow—a character known for chaos, sharp wit, and unpredictable confrontations. The prospect of Ross and Tracy in the same scene has already sparked wild speculation among fans: Will sparks fly? Will they clash? Or will they team up and cause even more trouble?

Despite the excitement—and the secrecy surrounding which pairing will eventually make the final cut—Paddy’s absence remains a talking point among longtime Emmerdale viewers. Social media has erupted with fans expressing frustration, calling the snub “criminal,” “a missed chance,” and “an injustice to a legend.” Others have joked that Paddy should star in the sequel episode and save the day.

The crossover itself comes at a time when both soaps are pushing boundaries and reimagining what long-running serial dramas can achieve in a modern TV landscape. The decision to merge universes—much like American TV crossovers have done for decades—signals that ITV is ready to experiment and give fans big, bold, conversation-generating moments.

And with characters like Aaron Dingle and Lisa Swain at the centre of the Corriedale storyline, fans are bracing for shocking twists, emotional reunions, and potentially heartbreaking consequences that could ripple across both soaps well into 2025.

As the countdown continues and speculation grows, one thing is certain: Corriedale is shaping up to be an unforgettable chapter in British soap history. And if Dominic Brunt has anything to say about it, perhaps the next crossover will ensure Paddy Kirk gets the spotlight he—and his fans—believe he deserves.