ITV reveals if Emmerdale and Coronation Street will air after Kate Middleton cancer news

Coronation Street and Emmerdale have been kept on air amid questions over whether ITV schedules would change.

Just hours before they were due to air the news broke that Catherine, Princess of Wales has been diagnosed with cancer. The news broke on Friday evening, with her commenting on her diagnosis in a video message.

Catherine shared details of tests she underwent after an operation which confirmed “cancer has been present” in her body. She also praised her husband William, Prince of Wales, for his support.

Now, ITV have confirmed schedules will remain as normal despite a slight shake-up to the news programming. The regional news was initially replaced with coverage of Princess Catherine’s message, before it continued.

The news then continued as normal with further Royal coverage, while other news items were also discussed. Host Charlene White announced further coverage would continue across the evening, but on ITVX, while she announced Emmerdale would continue that evening.

Ahead of the live Celebrity Big Brother 2024 final airing on Friday night, Emmerdale’s 30-minute episode was revealed to be going ahead with Corrie also still in the schedules. Charlene had said: “Emmerdale will of course be on in half an hour,” as news coverage continued.

The Princess of Wales confirmed her diagnosis in a video, telling the public: “I wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you, personally, for all the wonderful messages of support and for your understanding whilst I have been recovering from surgery. It has been an incredibly tough couple of months for our entire family, but I’ve had a fantastic medical team who have taken great care of me, for which I am so grateful.

“In January, I underwent major abdominal surgery in London and at the time, it was thought that my condition was non-cancerous. The surgery was successful. However, tests after the operation found cancer had been present.

“My medical team therefore advised that I should undergo a course of preventative chemotherapy and I am now in the early stages of that treatment. This of course came as a huge shock, and William and I have been doing everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family.

“As you can imagine, this has taken time. It has taken me time to recover from major surgery in order to start my treatment. But, most importantly, it has taken us time to explain everything to George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that is appropriate for them, and to reassure them that I am going to be ok.

“As I have said to them; I am well and getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal; in my mind, body and spirits. Having William by my side is a great source of comfort and reassurance too. As is the love, support and kindness that has been shown by so many of you. It means so much to us both.

“We hope that you will understand that, as a family, we now need some time, space and privacy while I complete my treatment. My work has always brought me a deep sense of joy and I look forward to being back when I am able, but for now I must focus on making a full recovery.

“At this time, I am also thinking of all those whose lives have been affected by cancer. For everyone facing this disease, in whatever form, please do not lose faith or hope. You are not alone.”