Get ready for a crossover event that could bring more than just soap worlds together — it might unite a real-life family on screen. As fans gear up for the highly anticipated Emmerdale and Coronation Street crossover airing in January 2026, Emmerdale star Amelia Flanagan has sparked excitement with a heartwarming and wildly entertaining idea: a reunion with her real-life siblings during the episode.>
Amelia, who has played the lovable and spirited April Windsor on Emmerdale since 2014, recently spoke at the British Soap Awards about the upcoming ITV crossover, which has both audiences and cast members abuzz with speculation. But while many are dreaming of dramatic showdowns or romantic entanglements, Amelia’s hopes are far more personal — and utterly charming.
“I’d probably have to say my brother and sister, seeing as they’re both Corrie members,” Amelia told Digital Spy. Her siblings — Will and Isabella Flanagan — star as Joseph Brown and Hope Stape in Coronation Street, respectively. “Yes, Will and Bella, who I love to pieces. They’re brilliant. It’d be great to do that.”
Imagine the scene: April Windsor steps off a bus in Weatherfield, only to bump into her long-lost cousins — who, in a delightful twist, are played by her real-life siblings. It’s the kind of soap moment that would break the fourth wall in the best possible way — emotional, surprising, and incredibly sweet.
Although Amelia admitted she hasn’t received confirmation about whether she’ll appear in the crossover yet, she remains hopeful. “I have no idea if I’ll appear, so I think you’ll just have to wait and see,” she teased. “Watch this space. But I think it’s an exciting opportunity for both soaps to merge for an episode, and I think people are going to really enjoy whatever we do with it.”
This idea of bringing real family ties into fictional settings isn’t just a fun gimmick — it could add depth, emotion, and authenticity to the special. With Amelia recently taking home the Best Young Performance award at the British Soap Awards (where her brother Will was also nominated), there’s no denying that the Flanagans are a powerhouse of talent.
Meanwhile, on the Corrie side, fan-favorite Jack P. Shepherd — aka David Platt — teased that he might be part of the special crossover. “There’s rumors and I’m sniffing that I might be in the periphery,” he joked. “I think I’m in it talking Yorkshire and they’re like ‘Where are you from? Bradford?’”
The buzz around this crossover is growing, and the idea of mixing storylines — and real-life families — is a dream come true for longtime viewers. Whether or not Amelia, Will, and Isabella end up sharing the screen, fans are already celebrating the possibility of one of the most heartwarming soap moments in recent memory.
