LONG-RUNNING ITV soaps Emmerdale and Coronation Street will be teaming up with the BBC's Eastenders in the first ever crossover episode between the UK’s three most popular soaps.

The three shows will be joined by other soaps including Hollyoaks, Holby City and Doctors.

The important reason behind the rival shows joining forces is climate change with a special story airing on November 1.

Speaking to This Morning hosts Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield in Tuesday’s show, Sharon Marshall said: "It's the first time it's ever been done."

"In November, we're going to be having the world's first soap crossover."

She added: "Now for the first time, all five British soaps - and our continuing dramas - they're all going to come together and tell the same story at the same time."

ITV detail what to expect in crossover episode

ITV gave further detail of the episodes, a spokesperson said: “The landmark event will see a Hollyoaks character pop up in Walford, while villagers of the Chester soap will learn about events at Holby City.

“A social media video featuring two of Emmerdale’s residents will be shown to Coronation Street characters, whilst one of BBC One’s Doctors will appear on the cobbles of Coronation Street.  

“Casualty will also be discussed in The Woolpack, and a social media clip from Weatherfield will be chatted about in The Queen Vic, as the soaps all come together for a special week.”

The drama begins on Monday, November 1, the week world leaders will meet to discuss the climate crisis at the COP26 conference.

Emmerdale’s executive producer, Jane Hudson said: “Never before have all five soaps and both continuing dramas come together and united in telling one story.

“And we certainly haven't seen characters pop up in other shows before. This is a real treat for our audience, whilst also allowing us to get across a very important message.”

BBC issue statement on crossover with ITV and Channel 4

Kate Oates, head of continuing drama at the BBC said: “I’m thrilled that our soaps and serial dramas have all come together to help highlight the issue of climate change amongst our millions of viewers.

“We’re grateful to the teams that made this happen, and hugely look forward to seeing the talent from our own shows popping up in other iconic programmes.”

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