January is shaping up to be an exciting month for fans of British soaps as ITV has finally announced the release date for its one-off crossover Corriedale.

The hour-long episode will air on January 5 and feature characters from both Coronation Street and Emmerdale.  

ITV said of the episode: 'CORRIEDALE is just the start of the drama as the aftermath of the crash gives rise to fear, murderous intent, death, destruction, closely-guarded secrets, and lies.

'Life in Emmerdale and Weatherfield will never be the same again!' 

The dramatic teaser trailer begins with a car crash and tells audiences that it will see 'two worlds collide'.

With voiceovers saying that the accident was 'really serious' and that characters were 'hit really bad', the episode begins on a country road near the village of Hotten, a fictional town near Emmerdale.

ITV has revealed that several big names from both shows will be involved in the accident including David Platt, Tracy Barlow, Liam Cavanagh, and Aaron Dingle, who can all be heard calling out amid the multi-vehicle collision. 

Corrie's Vicky Myers has also confirmed that she will be appearing in the hour-long special. 

Soap fans were quick to share their excitement for the show in the comments section, writing: 'I'm so sad my grandma isn't around anymore to see this. It would've been like her Captain America: Civil War!';

'So… the Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame of British soap operas, pretty much?';

'Close enough, welcome back Super Soap Week 2016! Stoked.';

'SO EXCITED FOR CORRIEDALE.'

Other fans, meanwhile, said that they were reserving their judgement for now, with one remarking: 'Wow… I don't know what to make of this to be honest. 

'I feel like it could either be an amazing idea or an absolutely terrible one. These soaps are amazing separate, but together they could be great or a car crash. I'm interested tho.'

Vicky Myers - AKA Lisa Swain - told the Metro: 'To be involved in this unique, bold, innovative, not to mention history-making episode, in Coronation Street’s 65th year, (well, when we are filming it at least), is fantastic.

'When I read the script and found out how two worlds collide, who is involved and how the characters interact, not to mention the impact the events of the night will have… Wow. It's going to be unmissable.

'I couldn't wait to get started actually. This has been in the pipeline for quite some time and the talented team behind the scenes at Coronation Street and Emmerdale, has worked tirelessly to make this happen.' 

Corriedale is set to air on January 5 at 8pm on ITV and ITVX.