Sky and ITV address ‘worrying’ claims that Emmerdale could be axed

Following the news Sky has agreed to buy ITV for £1.6billion, a rumour began to circulate that Emmerdale could be facing the axe after 53 years.

Now, the show’s fate has been confirmed.

The transaction between ITV and Sky brings two of the most trusted and complementary media organisations together to create a stronger media business.

Once the completion has happened, ITV channels and ITVX will remain free-to-air. Audiences will continue to enjoy programmes they know and love, alongside the national and regional news.

Sky chief executive Dana Strong previously said: ‘This is a defining moment for British media and an opportunity to build a stronger future for two of the UK’s most loved and trusted brands.

‘We have huge respect for the transformation the ITV team has delivered, particularly its successful move into streaming through ITVX, which has brought fantastic British content to millions of viewers across the UK.

‘Bringing Sky and ITV Media & Entertainment together combines the very best of free-to-air television, pay TV and streaming, ensuring viewers across the UK continue to enjoy outstanding British programming in a rapidly changing world.

‘ITV will remain a public service broadcaster at the heart of British life, and we’re excited about the future we can build together.’

Fans recently began to panic after reading a report that stated Emmerdale isn’t as popular as Coronation Street, and could end to save money.

That isn’t true.

As part of the deal, the future of the soap has been secured.

‘TV fan favourites are here to stay’, a quote direct from Sky reads.

‘We’ve agreed a long-term content partnership with ITV studios, to secure the future of many of Britain’s most-watched programmes, including Coronation Street, Emmerdale, Love Island, I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!, This Morning, Lorraine and Loose Women.’

Something worth noting though is that content on ITV itself could gradually move behind a paywall.

However, the company’s public service broadcasting licence states that they must provide free-to-air service until at least 2034.

So, for now, it’s business as usual for Emmerdale and Corrie.

While Sky’s long-term plans for ITV remain to be seen, the soaps continue to be cornerstones of the broadcaster’s output, giving fans plenty of reason to be optimistic about their future.