The Christmas and New Year schedules are finally in and it's essentially a clash-free Christmas again, aside from a 30-minute overlap between Emmerdale and EastEnders on the first day of 2008. Looks like ITV are starting the year as they mean to go on.

It's business as usual to be honest. Although I'm very surprised Corrie isn't putting out an episode on January 1.

In all, we've 5 hours 10 of Hollyoaks, 6 hours of Corrie to tuck into, 6 hours 15 of EastEnders and 6 hours 30 of Emmerdale.

I would, however, like to thank ITV for not pitting Emmerdale against 'Enders on Christmas Day.

For that, ITV: we salute you.

Neighbours, meanwhile, goes on what's said to be its longest ever Xmas break. The last episode of 2007 airs on Friday, December 14 and by the looks of it, the earliest it could return is Monday, January 7. Even that's not confirmed. It wouldn't surprise me if Five pick up Neighbours when the current series ends on screen over here.

Home and Away also takes a week's break between December 24 and 28. It returns on Wednesday, January 2.

Here's the scheduling in all its glory.

UPDATES:
Tues, Dec 4 at 1920: The BBC schedules are not final but are unlikely to change. The final listings will be released tomorrow. Check back tomorrow for any updates. The ITV schedules, however, are final and will not change.
Tues, Dec 4 at 1950: Hollyoaks scheduling added
Weds, Dec 5 at 1200: Home and Away will now return on Wednesday, January 2.
Weds, Dec 5 at 1930: EastEnders will now air for one hour on Thursday, January 3 as opposed to the 30 minutes initially scheduled. The BBC schedules are now final.

Sunday, December 23
1900 - Emmerdale (30 mins)
1930 - Corrie (30 mins)

Monday, December 24
1900 - Emmerdale (30 mins)
1930 - Corrie (30 mins)
2000 - EastEnders (30 mins)
2030 - Corrie (30 mins)

Tuesday, December 25
1820 - EastEnders (30 mins)
1850 - Emmerdale (1 hour)
2000 - EastEnders (30 mins)
2030 - Corrie (1 hour)

Wednesday, December 26
1715 - Hollyoaks (35 mins)
1750 - Hollyoaks (30 mins)
1820 - Hollyoaks (30 mins)
1900 - Emmerdale (30 mins)
2000 - EastEnders (30 mins)
2030 - Corrie (30 mins)

Thursday, December 27
1830 - Hollyoaks (30 mins)
1900 - Emmerdale (30 mins)
1930 - EastEnders (30 mins)

Friday, December 28
1745 - Hollyoaks (35 mins)
1900 - Emmerdale (30 mins)
2000 - EastEnders (30 mins)
2030 - Corrie (30 mins)

Sunday, December 30
No Emmerdale
2030 - Corrie (30 mins)

Monday, December 31 - 5-minute Clash
1830 - Hollyoaks
1900 - Emmerdale (30 mins)
1930 - Corrie (30 mins)
2000 - EastEnders (35 mins)
2030 - Corrie (30 mins)

Tuesday, January 1 - 30-minute Clash
1830 - Hollyoaks (30 mins)
1900 - Emmerdale (1 hour)
No Corrrie
1930 - EastEnders (40 minutes)

Wednesday, January 2
1830 - Hollyoaks (30 mins)
1900 - Emmerdale (30 mins)
1930 - Corrie (30 mins)
2000 - EastEnders (30 mins)

Thursday, January 3
1830 - Hollyoaks (30 mins)
1900 - Emmerdale (30 mins)
1930 - EastEnders (1 hour)

Friday, January 4
1830 - Hollyoaks (30 mins)
1900 - Emmerdale (30 mins)
1930 - Corrie (30 mins)
2000 - EastEnders (30 mins)

What do you think of this schedule? Pleased as punch? Or annoyed about New Year's day? Air your views by using the link below!