The two ITV sister soaps are set to crossover for the first time ever early next year in a historic event that will kick off a new five nights a week broadcast schedule.

A woman in a light blue sweater and jeans walking out of an office with two police officers.

Eagle-eyed viewers will have spotted an Emmerdale character in this scene
“Wanted” poster featuring a man with a beard and dark hair, next to a “Speed Awareness” poster with a “Slow Down” sign.
The wanted poster features Emmerdale killer John Sugden
But it can now be revealed that bosses at the soaps have already begun the crossover with little easter eggs in episodes.

In an episode last week eagle-eyed fans will have spotted a wanted poster with a notorious murderer in Weatherfield’s police station.

As Asha Alahan reported a crime to cops, behind her was a poster showing Emmerdale killer John Sugden with an appeal for information.

The poster is first in a string of tidbits that will be left in both soaps for fans to spot ahead of the big feature-length episode.

Soap bosses have gone to extreme lengths to keep the crossover secrets well-hidden.

The Sun exclusively revealed last month that nothing has been seen as too extreme to keep the plot of the highly-anticipated episodes a secret.

A source said: “The soaps have assembled a top team working secretly on the crossover away from the usual productions.

“Every precaution has been taken for the event that’s set to begin filming later this month.

“Only the actors involved have been told what’s to come and sworn to secrecy.

“It’s practically unheard of to go to these lengths but bosses desperately want viewers to be surprised.

“The others have been left totally in the dark. It’s part of a huge fightback by ITV for the soaps’ relaunch next year when they go to the new transmission pattern.

“It’s being seen as a big reset to have a power hour each weeknight.”

One thing that viewers will find out before the episodes air is some of the cast involved as ITV will invite fans to vote on which two characters from each soap will share a scene together.

Meanwhile Emmerdale star Danny Miller has promised the episode will feature “high drama”.

Aaron Dingle and John Sugden confronting each other in Emmerdale.

John is currently on the run in Europe as far as Emmerdale viewers are concernedCredit: ITV
Speaking on a podcast, he said: “The one thing [bosses have] said is that it won’t be someone walking into the Rovers and going ‘Oh I’ve got the wrong pub’, it’s not going to be like that.

“They don’t want to make it look like it’s just a p**s take. They want to make it a really good, high-end drama. I hope they do. Soap for me has changed my life.”