EastEnders announces major scheduling change after Corrie and Emmerdale shake-up
The BBC soap is getting a new timeslot.
EastEnders has confirmed a huge scheduling change, with the BBC soap set to air in a new regular slot from next month.
Starting the week beginning Monday, March 7, EastEnders will no longer air on Friday nights. Instead, the BBC soap will air at 7.30pm daily from Monday to Thursday, marking the first time that EastEnders will air on Wednesday nights.
Fellow BBC soap Doctors will also air in a new slot, with the daytime soap set to be repeated Monday to Thursday at 7pm on BBC Two.
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BBC
"We're delighted that, from 7th March, there will be new regular time slots for EastEnders on BBC One, and Doctors on BBC Two," BBC Studios' continuing drama chief Kate Oates said.
"Both shows have a loyal following; and this new simplified schedule means it's even easier for viewers to get their fix, as well as being able to watch whenever and wherever they choose on iPlayer.
"A 7pm time slot gives a whole new audience chance to enjoy the drama in Letherbridge, while EastEnders' new 7.30pm slot begins with a hugely exciting week, as killer Gray Atkins is finally exposed?"
The new schedule will kick off in a dramatic week that sees the truth about serial killer Gray Atkins finally being exposed to the Walford residents. If that wasn't exciting enough, fans will also get to see the soap's new set on-screen for the first time too.
Both EastEnders and Doctors will also continue to be available to watch on BBC iPlayer when the new schedule changes come into play, while BBC Three will continue to air an EastEnders omnibus on weekends too.
The new changes come after ITV also confirmed big changes to how it would air soaps Coronation Street and Emmerdale from next month.
Beginning in early March, Coronation Street will air as three hour-long episodes airing on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 8pm. Emmerdale will continue airing half-hour episodes at the slightly later time of 7.30pm, with an hour-long episode on Thursdays.
Explaining the change in a statement, ITV's Managing Director of Media and Entertainment Kevin Lygo said: "The nation's two most popular continuing dramas, Coronation Street and Emmerdale, are fundamental to the success of ITV, and we know that, as with all dramas, viewers increasingly watch them whenever, and however they choose.
"The new scheduling means that viewers can watch them live on TV in one go in a continuous soap fix, as well as on ITV Hub where they are regularly in the most watched shows every month."
EastEnders airs on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays on BBC One.
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