Coronation Street’s Christmas special has been staple viewing on the Yuletide calendar since it began in 1960. The world’s longest-running TV soap will be part of ITV’s festive schedule as usual and there’s a lot to look forward to.

There is drama, discoveries, huge twists and danger looms. It’s a glorious time for some, and a worrying time for others, and one character sparks concern. Over Christmas and Christmas Day, we see Debbie Webster’s hen do, while a discovery about Debbie’s plans for her finances leaves her brother Carl Webster dismayed. As the week goes on, Carl explains to James Bailey that he had some awful news and so he got drunk, and now he regrets sending him a text.

But when exactly will fans of the Manchester-based soap be able to catch all the Weatherfield action? The programme has been through numerous different airing patterns throughout its long history, and currently airs Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays for one hour at 8pm.

Viewers can also usually tune in from 7am on the day of broadcast by logging onto ITVX. But the serial will air on Thursday 25th December as yet another action-packed Christmas Day on the cobbles, and it will all kick off at 7.15pm on the big day. Following that, Coronation Street will air at 7pm on Boxing Day and will then air in its usual timeslot after that, albeit mostly in half-hour instalments, and will also as airing an additional episode on Tuesday 30th December.

Spoilers have already revealed that James threatens to spill the beans to his partner Abi, but will he stop him? Over at The Rovers, Eva Price is rattled by her daughter Susie’s comments, and she soon confides in former flame Adam Barlow about something she is hiding.

Maggie finds a letter by Eva and shocked by it contents, she puts a plan in motion and invites Adam and his partner Alya round for Christmas dinner. Soon, Megan and Daniel are guests too and Maggie has a plan. When Eva realises her letter is missing, Soon gifts are shared, and Eva’s husband Ben unwraps his and is left floored by what he receives.

Elsewhere this Christmas, Costello is in danger and Carla Connor’s whereabouts spark concern. When Carla informs Lisa she wants her name taken off of the mortgage, Lisa is left hurt. Meanwhile, as Costello shows signs of improvement after his attack, orchestrated by Becky Swain, Lisa tells Becky he is showing signs of improvement and they’re moving him to a rehab clinic. Becky is panicked decides to take action, leaving Costello horrified.

As Christmas arrives, Becky urges Lisa to forget about Carla and enjoy herself. Lisa’s desperate to speak to Carla, forcing a smile around ex Becky – and a concerning discovery about Carla soon leaves her wondering if something has happened. But is she right to be worried, and what will Becky do next as she makes a move?

There’s a festive message from more than one resident too.. Todd Grimshaw isn’t looking forward to Christmas, and even more so when abusive partner Theo yet again takes things to the extreme before lashing out.

As Christmas comes to a close, there’s sweet scenes for Sally Metcalfe and Joanie and Shanice amid their bid to see their mum Lou in prison. Soon there’s some celebrating.

But there’s dark scenes for some, as an attack on the Cobbles sees on character left for dead.

The full Christmas schedule for Coronation Street is as follows:

Monday December 22 – 8pmWednesday December 24 (Christmas Eve) – 8:40pmThursday December 25 (Christmas Day)- 7:15pmFriday December 26 (Boxing Day) – 7pmMonday December 29: 8pmTuesday December 30: 8pmWednesday December 31: 8pmThursday January 1 – 8pm