Coronation Street will be broadcast six times a week from late 2017, ITV has announced.

The popular soap will be transmitted for an extra episode each week, although no information about when the additional episode will air has been released.

Last year the soap celebrated its 60th anniversary with a live episode, and also announced new management in the form of Emmerdale producer Kate Oates.

Catherine Tyldesley in Coronation Street
Catherine Tyldesley in Coronation Street (ITV)

Kevin Lygo, ITV’s director of television, said the news is a reflection of the broadcaster’s commitment to producing a “high-quality soap” for a “hugely loyal audience”.

He said: “I am a life-long fan of Coronation Street and one of the first things I wanted to explore when I became director of television was taking the production to six episodes a week.

“The soaps are the cornerstone of the ITV schedule, and Coronation Street continues to produce some of the finest drama and comedy on television.

“It is a hugely important part of what has defined ITV throughout its history, and I want it to continue to be right at the heart of what defines ITV in years to come.

Beverley Callard in Coronation Street
Coronation Street veteran Beverley Callard (ITV)

“As a viewer I have watched the soap as it has continued to evolve, entertain, and grip the nation with fantastic storylines and this move will be the next exciting chapter in Corrie’s story.”

ITV announced that the layout of the current set would also be extended to accommodate the expansion in production, and additional studio space will be created on site in Manchester.

John Whiston, ITV Studios’ managing director of continuing drama and head of ITV in the North, said: “Coronation Street’s new producer Kate Oates, modern filming and editing facilities at the programme’s production centre and our fantastic, peerless drama teams will help turn this great idea into reality.”

The soap recently bid farewell to long-standing cast member Alison King, who played Carla Connor, after 10 years on the cobbles.