Coronation Street Marks 65th Anniversary with Festive Drama and Milestone Celebrations
Britain’s Most Beloved Soap Reaches Historic Milestone
2025 was Coronation Street’s sixty-sixth year, marking a significant chapter for the world’s longest-running television soap opera. This December, the iconic ITV series celebrates an impressive 65 years on air, having first broadcast on 9 December 1960. The milestone has been commemorated through special episodes featuring a surprise Easter egg in tonight’s episode, as a nod to the show’s milestone anniversary, including references to the show’s original working title, Florizel Street.
Christmas Drama Unfolds on the Cobbles
As the festive season arrives in Weatherfield, viewers are treated to explosive storylines that showcase why Coronation Street remains essential viewing. Coronation Street has revealed explosive scenes for Eva Price as her feud with her mother-in-law Maggie reaches “boiling point” during Christmas Day celebrations. The returning character Eva Price, who took over the Rovers Return pub earlier this year with her partner Ben, finds herself locked in a dramatic confrontation that threatens to overshadow the holiday festivities.
ITV’s festive schedules have confirmed that Emmerdale and Coronation Street both get hour-long Christmas Day episodes this year, airing at 6.15pm and 7.15pm respectively, giving fans extended drama during the holiday period.
Special Anniversary Episodes and Flashbacks
The anniversary celebrations have been woven into the storylines through character Maggie Driscoll’s birthday. She’s 65, which is a nod to the show’s anniversary. The whole birthday thing is kind of a ‘Happy Birthday to the show’ element, too. Special episodes featuring flashbacks have provided viewers with deeper insights into characters’ pasts, adding emotional depth to current storylines.
Viewing Figures and Cultural Impact
Despite the changing television landscape, Coronation Street continues to command impressive audiences. As of 2025, it averages approximately four million viewers per episode, demonstrating the enduring appeal of the Weatherfield residents and their stories. The show remains a cornerstone of British popular culture, tackling contemporary issues whilst maintaining the character-driven storytelling that has made it a national treasure.
Looking Ahead
As Coronation Street enters its 66th year, the series shows no signs of slowing down. With gripping storylines, the return of beloved characters like Eva Price, and continued innovation in storytelling—including special flashback episodes and cross-soap collaborations—the show continues to evolve whilst honouring its rich heritage. For millions of viewers across the UK and internationally, Coronation Street remains appointment television, proving that quality drama transcends generations.