Why isn't Emmerdale on ITVX? Soap pulled off off air tonight in schedule shake-up

ITV has announced a shake-up in its schedule, with Emmerdale not being broadcast on Thursday evening (November 13).

The beloved soap, which usually airs weekdays at 7:30pm and offers an hour-long episode on Thursdays, will be replaced by the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier between England and Serbia, kicking off at 7:45pm.

Coverage of the football match from Wembley Stadium will run from 7pm until 10:05 pm, followed by ITV News at Ten until 10:33pm. However, fans of Emmerdale can breathe a sigh of relief as the soap is set to return to its regular slot on Friday night.

Wednesday's dramatic episode included flashbacks of Robert Sugden's (Ryan Hawley) time in prison and his backstory with husband, Kev Townsend (Chris Coghill).

The flashbacks revealed Robert's six-year stint in prison, where he was serving a 14-year sentence for the murder of Lee Posner (Kris Mochrie), as the truth about what happened while he was behind bars was finally unveiled.

Robert was visited by the late Faith Dingle (Sally Dexter), who urged him to mend his relationship with her grandson, Aaron Dingle (Danny Miller).

In a surprise interaction, Faith confirmed that she was dying after stopping all treatment for cancer, and encouraged Robert to apply for release after new evidence suggested that Lee could have died of a brain injury caused by his brother.

Faith then implored Robert to reach out to Aaron and bring him back to the village, confessing his enduring love for Aaron, reports the Daily Star.

In the meantime, Kev shared a secret with Liam Cavanagh (Jonny McPherson) in the present day, revealing he has a son from a one-night stand with a woman named Emma, who was tragically murdered some time ago.

Robert remains unaware that his own husband is a father as their web of lies persists. Kev also requested Liam to keep his non-terminal heart condition a secret from Robert.

As the episode concluded, Kev deduced that Robert had deceived him about his sister Victoria (Isabel Hodgins) suffering from a brain tumour as he sought parole, which was granted earlier this year.

What will unhinged Kev do upon discovering the truth about Victoria?

Emmerdale airs weekdays on ITV and ITVX