📺 ITV Quietly Axes ‘Off Script’ Podcast Amid Historic £1.6 Billion Sky Takeover Deal
In a quiet move behind the scenes, ITV has officially swung the axe on Off Script, the popular video podcast companion series to British soap titans Coronation Street and Emmerdale. Hosted by former Emmerdale star Kelvin Fletcher and his wife Liz, the show served as a juicy backstage pass for soap fans, digging into massive storylines, hosting star-studded cast interviews, and dropping exclusive future teasers.
The digital series enjoyed a 12-episode run across audio and video platforms before abruptly going dark. Its final episode aired over a year ago on May 30, 2025, featuring actress Amy Walsh breaking down Emmerdale’s dramatic “body in the lake” plot. In hindsight, the writing was on the wall; Kelvin and Liz signed off the finale by telling fans they would see them at the British Soap Awards, completely omitting any mention of a future season. While ITV kept tight-lipped, The Sun has now confirmed that the show is officially dead and buried.
A Mega-Merger Stirs Panic in Soapland
The quiet cancellation of Off Script comes at a monumental turning point for the network. Rumors turned to reality as it was confirmed that telecom giant Sky is set to acquire ITV in a historic £1.6 billion takeover deal. The mega-merger instantly sent shockwaves through the broadcasting industry and sparked immediate anxiety among millions of die-hard soap fans, who feared the fate of their beloved weekday dramas.
With Sky steering the ship, concerns quickly mounted that iconic staples like Coronation Street and Emmerdale might soon be locked behind an expensive TV subscription package or a premium streaming paywall.
Good News for Fans: The Soaps Stay Free!
Fortunately, ITV moved swiftly to quell any viewer panic, releasing an official statement to assure the public that its crown jewels are perfectly safe from the subscription model.
“ITV’s channels and ITVX will remain free-to-air, with all public service broadcasting commitments continuing in full, including regional news and programming,” the network confirmed.
The broadcaster emphasized that loyal audiences will notice no change in how they access their daily entertainment fixes. Blockbuster reality shows, daytime programs, and prestigious evening news will remain entirely free to watch. “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.” While Off Script might be history, the future of the Cobbles and the Dales remains completely secure.
