Corrie writers unhappy with time change

Coronation Street's writers have arranged a meeting with ITV's Director of Programmes, Nigel Pickard to express their concern over the amalgamation of two half-hour episodes into a one-hour block from 8.30pm on a Monday night, reports Digital Spy. The move, apparently aimed at boosting ratings for Celebrity Love Island, has seen Coronation Street lose audience share.

Chief writer John Fay told Broadcast magazine: "Moving Monday's episode is the straw that broke the camel's back. It's madness to hobble a tried and tested thoroughbred by tying it to something heading for the knackers' yard."

He added: "Many of us have worked on the show for years. We feel we are the custodians of its future and we feel that it risks being damaged."