Emmerdale fans have hit out at ITV after an episode of the show was replaced with sports coverage in a “disgraceful” move.

Earlier this week, the EFL Cup (Carabao Cup) semi-final second-leg match between Arsenal and Chelsea replaced Emmerdale – taking the 7.30pm slot with kick-off at 8pm. Tonight, the opening match of the 2026 Six Nations tournament between France and Ireland is marked to replace the soap.

Fans have flocked to ‘X’ to share their fury at yet another cancellation. Among them was @algregg who wrote: “Disgraceful we’ve lost two episodes this week to sport.” And @TonyCoffey15 wrote: “The soaps aren’t on again tonight because of rugby, England aren’t even playing, it’s France and Ireland, it’s bad enough when it’s football, at least I’ll watch that, but an egg chase?”

Meanwhile, @80sRuss wrote: @ITV you have ITV2, 3 and 4, you could have put the rugby on instead of cancelling Emmerdale.”

@eastleedslass wrote: “Why have you cancelled tonight’s soaps for a rugby match that doesn’t even feature a British team? Total disrespect for soap viewers! And FYI, I’m also a sports fan before you suggest that, that’s why I’m complaining.”

Coronation Street has also been cancelled twice this week in favour of sport. It is currently unknown if there will be any further cancellations, although none so far have been forecast.