Coronation Street and Emmerdale have revealed new details about the upcoming crossover episode, dubbed ‘Corriedale’.

Early next year, for the first time in British soap history, an hour-long episode will bring together characters from both soaps in a celebration of the genre.

The special instalment, to air in January, will have “everlasting consequences for everyone involved”, and the two shows’ universes in Manchester and Yorkshire have been linked in an “ingenious way”.

Earlier this month, filming began for the looming crossover, with details at the time being kept under wraps. But now, the two shows have confirmed a huge update, revealing the two stars that are appearing in the one-off special.

New photos taken on the first of a series of exhilarating night shoots reveal DS Lisa Swain (Vicky Myers) and Aaron Dingle (Danny Miller) as the first two iconic characters confirmed to star in the drama-filled hour-long special.

A press release reads: “Lisa Swain’s life on the cobbles has been thrown into chaos these last few weeks after the return from the dead of her police wife ex Becky. As we approach this milestone episode, commissioned to launch ITV’s new Soaps power hour schedule, viewers will be more convinced than ever that there’s a more sinister side to Becky lurking beneath.

“Over in the Dales, Danny’s character Aaron has seen off his ex-husband, killer John Sugden, but just as things were looking back on track with the love of his life, Robert Sugden, Robert’s secret prison husband, Kev, turned up. It’s safe to say things aren’t going to be straightforward for this couple anytime soon.

“What leads Lisa and Aaron to find their lives intertwined on a dark and foreboding night in January? And which other Coronation Street and Emmerdale favourites will feature in the action-packed and climactic episode?”

Talking about Corriedale, Lisa actress Vicky said: “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.

“They’re incredible. I’m really looking forward to meeting, and working with, people I haven’t met or worked with before, both in front of and behind the camera. It’s incredibly exciting and the camaraderie is great. It’s going to be epic.“

Meanwhile, Danny explained: “I am made up that Aaron is in the Corriedale episode. Originally from Manchester, Coronation Street has always been an iconic show in our house just as much as Emmerdale. So to cross them both over is a great idea.

“The night shoots have been full on with having young kids but a lot of fun and it’s been great working with the Corrie team. I can’t wait to see how the episode plays out with the separate storylines from both Emmerdale and Corrie. It’s going to be epic and every soap fans dream.”