Ahead of the historic ITV mash-up, we revisit the soap stars who’ve made their mark on both cobbles and countryside

A Groundbreaking Moment in Soap History

In January 2026, ITV will debut the first-ever Coronation Street and Emmerdale crossover episode—Corriedale—bringing together two legendary British soaps for a one-hour, high-stakes special.

Set against the backdrop of a multi-vehicle pile-up near Hotten, the crossover will spark new drama, unresolved tensions, and perhaps even unexpected reunions. The episode also launches ITV’s new “Soap Power Hour,” pairing both shows back-to-back every weeknight.

While fans prepare for chaos, we’re taking a look back at the actors who’ve already bridged the two soap worlds.

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1. Claire King – Kim Tate (Emmerdale) / Erica Holroyd (Coronation Street)

Claire King is Emmerdale royalty as Kim Tate, the fierce matriarch of Home Farm. But between 2014 and 2017, she also ruled the Corrie cobbles as Erica Holroyd, a flirty friend of Liz McDonald who dated Dev Alahan and tangled with Nick Tilsley. Erica eventually vanished to Spain—but fans haven’t forgotten her fiery charm.

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2. Sally Ann Matthews – Jenny Connor (Corrie) / Sandra Briggs (Emmerdale)

Before reclaiming her iconic role as Jenny Connor, Sally Ann Matthews played Sandra Briggs in Emmerdale (2005–2006). Married to farmer Craig Briggs, Sandra faced land feuds with Tom King’s family. Matthews later returned to Coronation Street, where Jenny became landlady of the Rovers—and a fan favorite.

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3. Daniel Brocklebank – Billy Mayhew (Corrie) / Ivan Jones (Emmerdale)

Long before he donned the collar as Vicar Billy Mayhew, Daniel Brocklebank played Ivan Jones, a charming binman entangled in romances and village gossip in Emmerdale (2005–2006). Now, Brocklebank is bidding farewell to the cobbles, but his soap legacy spans both worlds.

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4. Chris Bisson – Jai Sharma (Emmerdale) / Vikram Desai (Corrie)

Chris Bisson is best known as troubled businessman Jai Sharma in Emmerdale, a role he’s played since 2009. But in Coronation Street, he was once the slick co-owner of Street Cars, Vikram Desai, from 1999 to 2002. Vikram’s downfall? A drug-smuggling scandal that forced him to flee to Mumbai.

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5. Rebecca Sarker – Manpreet Sharma (Emmerdale) / Nita Desai (Corrie)

Rebecca Sarker is brilliant as Emmerdale’s Dr. Manpreet Sharma, but her soap career began on Coronation Street as Nita Desai, Vikram’s sister. From 1999 to 2000, she managed the Corner Shop before moving to Inverness. Now, she’s a vital part of the Dales’ medical drama.

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6. Paula Lane – Kylie Platt (Corrie) / Ella Forster (Emmerdale)

Paula Lane broke hearts as tragic Kylie Platt in Corrie (2010–2016). In 2024, she made her Emmerdale debut as Ella Forster, a receptionist with a dark secret—she killed her best friend as a child. Framed by villain John Sugden, Ella left the village under a cloud of suspicion.

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7. Oliver Farnworth – Andy Carver (Corrie) / John Sugden (Emmerdale)

Soap fans will remember Andy Carver’s tragic fate in Coronation Street—shot by serial killer Pat Phelan. In 2024, actor Oliver Farnworth shocked audiences again, this time in Emmerdale as John Sugden, a charming but lethal new villain. John is now on the run—but could he resurface in Corriedale?

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Ready for the Crossover of the Decade?

With explosive stunts, emotional reunions, and high drama on the horizon, Corriedale is shaping up to be one of ITV’s boldest soap events ever. Will familiar faces from Corrie and Emmerdale collide in unexpected ways? Will villains rise—or be brought to justice?

One night. Two worlds. And a storm that could change everything.

Are you ready for Corriedale?