EASTENDERS is off screens tonight as summer-long soap schedule shake-ups come into effect.
Viewers know the BBC soap usually airs on Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm.
EastEnders viewers are set for a schedule shake-up[/caption]
The BBC soap won’t be on screen tonight[/caption]
Viewers will need to adjust to a new schedule[/caption]
However, for this week fans will have to adjust to a schedule shake-up.
A 2026 World Cup qualifier between Wales and Belgium will be on screens tonight instead.
Airing live from Brussels, coverage begins at 7.30pm and will end at 10pm – in time for News at 10.
It means EastEnders fans will instead get their Walford fix from Tuesday to Friday this week.
Taking to Instagram, the show’s account penned: “#EastEnders schedule change!
“This week’s EastEnders will air Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. There is no episode tonight. But don’t despair, you can also watch now on @BBCiPlayer.“
One fan commented: “Can’t wait see you on Tuesday, Wednesday Thursday and Friday.”
Another added: “I like football but I LOVE EastEnders!! Can’t miss an episode.”
Meanwhile, a popular star has quit the BBC soap after four years in Albert Square.
Bobby Brazier, who has played Freddie Slater since 2022, is set to bow out.
An EastEnders spokeswoman said: “We can confirm that Bobby Brazier will be leaving EastEnders, and we wish him all the best for the future.”
A telly insider revealed: “Bosses had a meeting with Bobby only recently as they had a plan in mind for a storyline, and it just so happened that Bobby was also thinking that now was the right time to look for other opportunities outside the show.
“The timing of the decision worked for both, but his final scenes are not for a while yet.
“The character has had a great run, but the time is now right for Bobby to look for other opportunities, and for EastEnders to wave goodbye to Freddie Slater.”
Furthermore, the 22-year-old’s exit comes as new boss Ben Wadey makes exciting casting decisions with the returns of some high-profile stars.
EastEnders stars who’ve been on Strictly Come Dancing
Throughout its 20-year history, Strictly Come Dancing has welcomed several stars from BBC soap EastEnders. Here’s a look at how some of them did over the years.
- Christopher Parker (Series One): Christopher played Alfie Moon’s (Shane Richie) younger brother Spencer from 2002 to 2005. finished as runner-up in Strictly’s first series.
- Jill Halfpenny (Series Two): Jill starred as Kate Mitchell in EastEnders from 2002 to 2005. She triumphed over Denise Lewis and Julian Clary to win the second series of Strictly.
- Louisa Lytton (Series Four): Known for her role as EastEnders’ Ruby Allen, Louisa took part in Strictly’s fourth series. She finished in fourth place.
- Letitia Dean (Series Five): Letitia, who debuted as Sharon Watts in the show’s first episode, took to the Strictly dance floor in series five. She finished in fourth place.
- Matt Di Angelo (Series Five): Dean Wicks actor Matt also competed in series five of Strictly, finishing as runner-up behind Alesha Dixon.
- Gillian Taylforth (Series 6): Gillian, known for her long-running portrayal as Kathy Beale, took part in series 6. She ended up being the second person voted out.
- Jessie Wallace (Series 6): Kat Slater actress Jessie also competed in series 6, but was fourth voted out.
- Scott Maslen (Series 8): Scott, who plays Jack Branning, reached a respectable fourth place on Strictly.
- Kara Tointon (Series 8): Kara, who played Dawn Swann, won Strictly series 8 back in 2010.
- Sid Owen (Series 10): Sid, who played Ricky Butcher, was eliminated in the show’s fourth week.
- Jake Wood (Series 12): While his EastEnders character Max Branning was unlucky-in-love, actor Jake fared better with a fifth-place finish on Strictly.
- Kellie Bright (Series 13): Kellie – aka Queen Vic landlady Linda Carter – finished as the runner-up of series 13.
- Emma Barton (Series 17): Known for playing Honey Mitchell, Emma reached third place on Strictly in 2019.
- Maisie Smith (Series 18): Formerly playing Tiffany Butcher-Baker, actress Maisie was 2020’s second-place Strictly finalist.
- Rose-Ayling Ellis (Series 19): Rose won over viewers’ hearts when she soared to victory in 2021.
- Bobby Brazier (Series 21): Having joined the cast as ‘Freddie Slater’ in 2022, Bobby joined the 2023 Strictly line-up. He finished in third place.
- Jamie Borthwick (Series 22): Jamie, aka Jay Brown, won the 2023 Strictly Christmas Special – and has been signed up for the next full series.
This includes Michelle Ryan (Zoe Slater), Jake Wood (Max Branning) and Max Bowden (Ben Mitchell).
In addition, Lacey Turner is taking a break as Stacey Slater.
Bobby scooped a National Television Award last year for rising star in the role.
EastEnders airs on BBC One and iPlayer.
Bobby Brazier is set to leave the BBC soap[/caption]
