Coronation Street actor Jack P Shepherd masterfully trolled both his interviewers and the show's legion of fans during a live television appearance, falsely claiming his long-running character David Platt would meet his end in tonight's highly anticipated soap crossover.
The On-Air Prank That Had Presenters Stunned
Appearing on ITV's Good Morning Britain on Monday, January 5, 2026, to discuss the historic Corriedale special, Shepherd was asked by hosts Susanna Reid and Ed Balls about the process of deciding which characters survive the epic storyline. The actor, who has played David Platt for a quarter of a century, seized the moment for mischief.
With a completely straight face, Shepherd solemnly declared, 'My number's come up. I've done 25 years. It would have been great to see the rest of 2026 but sadly tonight is the end.' The shocking statement left Reid and Balls visibly stunned, their 'jaws on the floor' according to reports.
The actor then expertly feigned panic, asking if he had 'given too much away' before immediately bursting into laughter and confirming it was all a joke, much to the relief of the presenters and, undoubtedly, ITV executives.
Fan Theories and Genuine Fears for Platt's Fate
Despite Shepherd's very public prank, speculation about David Platt's fate in Corriedale continues to run rampant among viewers. The crossover event features a colossal multi-vehicle pile-up that puts countless lives from both Coronation Street and Emmerdale in grave danger.
Fuel was added to the fire by a trailer showing David's wife, Shona Platt (Julia Goulding), screaming in a hospital corridor while being comforted by Emmerdale's Charity Dingle. With Shona heavily pregnant and requiring risky surgery for her unborn baby—a point of contention with David—the scene has led to intense fan debate.
On social media, reactions were divided. One fan on TikTok stated, 'Sadly I think David Platt will die,' while another pleaded, 'They cannot kill David Platt surely.' Others remain in denial, insisting the character will remain on the cobbles for decades to come, much like the legendary Ken Barlow.
How to Catch Up Before the Big Episode
For viewers feeling overwhelmed by the converging storylines, help is at hand. Chris Bisson, who plays Emmerdale's Jai Sharma and is a former Coronation Street actor himself, revealed that ITV has prepared comprehensive recaps.
Bisson admitted that even he needed a refresher, binge-watching episodes before the premiere. He confirmed that ITVX has released special episodes with storyline summaries for both soaps, perfect for those short on time. The Corriedale special airs from 7pm on ITV1 on Monday, January 5, and is already available to stream on ITVX.
In a fascinating twist, Bisson also noted his own unique challenge in the crossover. Having played Vikram Desai on Coronation Street from 1999 to 2002, his current Emmerdale character couldn't interact with many of his old Corrie colleagues, lest they recognise him. He did, however, tease that tonight's episode contains a nod to his soap past and will trigger a major new Emmerdale plot.
While Jack P Shepherd's contract is reportedly secure for another year, his expert trolling has proven that in the world of soaps, no character's safety is ever guaranteed—and that a well-timed joke can send a nation of fans into a temporary panic.
