ITV has made clear its commitment to some of its key titles amid Sky’s takeover plans.
The channel has had an agreement with Sky to buy ITV's media and streaming operations for £1.6 billion in a major shake-up for the industry.
Speaking at Edinburgh TV Festival 2026, ITV’s managing director Kevin Lygo affirmed the future of some of the key titles for the network amid the huge changes for them.
Referring to the likes of the channel’s soaps Coronation Street and Emmerdale, Love Island and I’m a Celebrity, Lygo said: "These shows will continue."
Later, Lygo elaborated further on the importance of soaps to the channel’s future, noting the success of the scheduling choice put the soaps in 'power hour'.
"They’ve embedded now, that block at 8pm is still always the highest-viewed thing of that day," said Lygo "It’s really important."
When asked if he can foresee further crossover events following the success of Corriedale earlier this year.
Lygo noted, while open to ideas, that "It’s not something to do on an annual basis."
Ultimately, Lygo made very clear the value and future of soaps to ITV: "Long may it continue."
The takeover from Sky includes ITV’s broadcast channels and its ITVX streaming service, and concludes months of negotiations.
The companies said the acquisition will create a major competitor to the global streaming giants.
Crucially, the sale will not impact ITV Studios, the broadcaster's production arm behind hits such as I'm a Celebrity and Love Island.
Add Radio Times as a Preferred Source on Google Keep up to date on what’s worth watching with your favourite entertainment news from Radio Times – see more of our exclusive news and interviews featured prominently in Top Stories when using Google.
Dana Strong, Sky Group CEO, previously said in a statement when the agreement was confirmed: "Viewers will continue to enjoy the shows they know and love, such as Coronation Street, Emmerdale, Love Island, I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!, This Morning, Loose Women, Lorraine and News at Ten – alongside major live sporting events."
The deal awaits regulatory approval.
Coronation Street and Emmerdale airs weeknights at 8pm on ITV1 and from 7am on ITVX.
Add Emmerdale to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more.
Check out more of our Soaps coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast
Hence then, the article about itv boss affirms future of coronation street emmerdale love island and more amid sky takeover plans was published today ( ) and is available on Radio Times ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( ITV boss affirms future of Coronation Street, Emmerdale, Love Island and more amid Sky takeover plans )
Also on site :
- Kendra Scott’s Dainty Pumpkin Necklace Is a Festive Finishing Touch for Fall Outfits, and It’s Under $35
- 1969 Supergroup Ballad, the ‘Greatest Song David Crosby Ever Wrote,’ Was About Joni Mitchell and Two Other Women
- Quote of the Day: Shakespeare’s Powerful Advice for Living up to Your Potential—‘Be Not Afraid of Greatness…’