OHMYGOSSIP — ‘EastEnders’ will now air Monday to Thursdays at 7.30pm as part of BBC’s new soap schedule.
The broadcaster will drop the show’s Friday episode from next month, which the programme set to air in a fixed time slot on four consecutive nights on BBC One from March 7, which will put it at odds with ITV’s ‘Emmerdale’ when it moves to 7.30pm the same month.
The Beeb also confirmed ‘Doctors’ will make its evening debut at 7pm on BBC Two, while still keeping its usual lunchtime 1.45pm slot on BBC One.
Both ‘EastEnders’ and ‘Doctors’ will still be available on iPlayer, with the new schedule starting on March 7.
In a statement, Kate Oates, Head of Continuing Drama, BBC Studios added: “We’re delighted that, from 7th March, there will be new regular time slots for EastEnders on BBC One, and Doctors on BBC Two.
“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…”
Meanwhile, it’s said BBC bosses aren’t worried about clashes with rivals soaps, as they see EastEnders’ huge success on BBC iPlayer – over 285 million streams in 2021 – as proof fans are tuning in via the online service.
A source told the Daily Mirror newspaper: “It’s no longer about the overnight ratings because they don’t reflect the true picture of who is tuning in,’ the insider continued. ‘You only have to look at the numbers watching ‘EastEnders’ on iPlayer, the figures are pretty incredible.”
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