EastEnders fans have been left saying the same thing after the BBC soap announced a huge schedule change for Christmas and the New Year – and it’s all because of drama
EastEnders viewers are all up in arms after the BBC dropped a festive bombshell about the telly schedule for the soap over Christmas and New Year’s.
Die-hard fans of the Albert Square drama have become accustomed to catching episodes ahead of time on BBC iPlayer, but they’re in for a bit of a shock this Yuletide. The Beeb has confirmed that, just like last year, viewers won’t get their early fix of the Christmas Day specials.
Instead of an iPlayer sneak peek, the first of the two explosive Christmas Day episodes will hit screens at 7:30pm on December 25, with the second following at 10:35pm, leaving fans dangling on the edge of their seats for a torturous three hours.
EastEnders fans have been left saying the same thing after the BBC soap announced a huge schedule change for Christmas and the New Year(Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
And if that wasn’t enough to dampen the festive spirits, Boxing Day’s episode (Thursday, December 26) is also sticking strictly to its TV slot at 8:30pm, with no iPlayer early birds catching any worms. Plus, the much-anticipated New Year’s Day episode (Wednesday, January 1) is set to go live at 10pm on BBC One and iPlayer simultaneously.
Fans have been venting their frustration on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, with one viewer exclaiming: “omfg no early release on christmas day, boxing day or new year’s day? ? ? something big looms.”, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Another chimed in with: “Something bigs happening on Christmas Day then.” EastEnders fans are on the edge of their seats, with one viewer tweeting: “Christmas Day is going to be an absolute s**t show and I cannot WAIT. #EastEnders.”
Die-hard fans of the Albert Square drama have become accustomed to catching episodes ahead of time on BBC iPlayer(Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
Meanwhile, another fan posted: “Slightly still obsessed that Boxing Day isn’t going to be early release too. This whole festive period is actually such a mystery and I’m nervous but very excited. Something big is happening over Crimbo and definitely New Year Day #EastEnders.”
In the latest drama from Monday’s (December 23) episode, available now on iPlayer, Elaine Knight (played by Harriet Thorpe) was seething after uncovering Cindy Beale’s (Michelle Collins) secret tryst with Junior Knight (Micah Balfour), despite her undying love for his father, George Knight (Colin Salmon).
Elaine, a cocktail of rage, heartbreak, and thirst for vengeance against her eternal romantic adversary, was unyielding in her resolve. Despite Cindy’s desperate pleas, the Queen Vic’s formidable landlady was adamant she owed her nothing.
As the Knights gathered for a family dinner, Elaine was poised to drop the bombshell during a speech. However, George preempted her, reflecting on how 2024 had been a challenging year but acknowledging he’s come out happier.
Stricken with guilt, Elaine later visited Cindy, confessing she hadn’t spilled the beans to George and would keep mum on one condition Cindy must pack up, leave Walford for good, and cut all ties with George. What move will Cindy make now that she’s been thrown this unexpected lifeline?
EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One and available to stream on BBC iPlayer from 6am
