Julia Goulding Reveals Excitement for Historic Coronation Street Crossover

Julia Goulding, known for her role as Shona Platt on Coronation Street, has shared her thoughts on the upcoming crossover event with Emmerdale. This historic collaboration, dubbed “Corriedale,” marks the first time both of the long-running ITV soaps will join forces for a special episode, set to air at 20:00 on January 5, 2026.

The crossover is part of a significant scheduling change announced by ITV, which will see both series adopt a new format starting in January 2026. Each weekday, viewers will enjoy a “soap power hour,” featuring 30-minute episodes of Emmerdale at 20:00, followed by Coronation Street at 20:30. This innovative approach aims to attract a wider audience and enhance viewer engagement.

To celebrate this transition, producers have crafted a compelling narrative that intertwines the two shows, albeit for a single night. The special episode will centre around a dramatic multi-vehicle crash, leaving characters from both series in peril. The complex storyline unfolds on a rural road near the village of Hotten, with emergency services responding to the chaos as characters call for help in the dark.

The cast for this ambitious project comprises around 40 actors, including Goulding, who expressed her excitement about participating. Speaking to the Manchester Evening News, she described it as a “massive privilege,” adding that she felt “buzzing” upon learning about her involvement in the production.

Filming for the crossover took place over several weeks, predominantly at night. Goulding recounted her experience, stating, “You know what, it wasn’t that bad! We had five weeks of night shoots, so I think I did about three of them.” She emphasized the camaraderie among the cast during these late-night sessions, making the experience enjoyable despite the challenges of night filming.

The storyline features Shona Platt and her partner David in a critical situation. Shona, who is pregnant, has been informed that her unborn daughter has a tumour, necessitating high-risk surgery. In the promotional trailers, viewers see the couple being attended to by Emmerdale paramedic Jacob Gallagher, portrayed by Joe-Warren Plant, at the crash scene.

Despite the excitement, filming posed some challenges for Goulding, especially while wearing a pregnancy suit. “Wearing that pregnancy suit wasn’t fun,” she said, noting the discomfort of the heavy costume and makeup. Yet, she also praised the catering team, remarking on the delicious cakes available during the shoots.

As for audience expectations, Goulding believes that the crossover will resonate with fans of both shows. “This is a world we’ve never been in before,” she noted, suggesting that even viewers unfamiliar with one of the soaps would find themselves engaged by the storytelling. She expressed her enthusiasm for the unfolding drama, particularly regarding Charity Dingle, played by Emma Atkins, quipping about her eagerness to learn more about the character’s storyline.

With the anticipation building for this groundbreaking episode, viewers can expect an engaging blend of suspense and drama as Coronation Street and Emmerdale come together in a never-before-seen event. The crossover not only represents a significant milestone for ITV but also showcases the collaborative spirit of these beloved series, promising to captivate audiences across the globe.