EASTENDERS fans were left fuming this evening as EastEnders wasn’t on when they expected it to be.
The BBC One soap usually airs at 8pm on a Monday but a new schedule shake-up means it will now air at 7.30pm Monday – Thursday.
It will no longer air on a Friday and the times will remain consistent throughout.
So those who tuned in at the usual time this evening were left sorely disappointed.
One person tweeted: “Going to take some used to the time change for #EastEnders as I still thought it was 8:00 so I have missed it so catch up it is.”
A second added: “Forgot #EastEnders was on at 19:30 from today! Looks like I might miss a few Monday eps before I get used to the new time – time to catch up!”
EastEnders kicked off the new timing’s tonight with what it called a “hugely exciting” week of plots that will include killer Gray Atkins finally being exposed.
It went up against Emmerdale this evening, as the ITV soap has been shifted from its usual 7pm slot to 7.30pm.
The two shows are now in direct competition for four days a week, with Emmerdale airing an hour-long episode on Thursdays.
Other soap changes starting this week will see uninterrupted hour-long episodes of Coronation Street on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 8pm.
Broadcasters used to go to great lengths to avoid their soaps clashing, but it is thought to be far less of an issue in the era of on-demand TV.
Kate Oates, BBC’s head of continuing drama, said: “We’re delighted that, from March 7, there will be new regular time slots for EastEnders.
“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 @bbciplayer.
“EastEnders‘ new 7.30pm slot begins with a hugely exciting week, as killer Gray Atkins is finally exposed.”
