BBC EastEnders cancelled as soap announces schedule shake-up

Regrettably, EastEnders enthusiasts will have to forego their usual Monday night fix on BBC One, but there's still a chance to catch up with the residents of Albert Square. The beloved soap is taking a break from its regular Monday slot on June 24 due to the BBC's live coverage of the Croatia vs Italy match starting at 7:30pm, with the game kicking off at 8pm.

EastEnders will be back on air on Tuesday, June 25, and Wednesday, June 26, although fans will need to switch over to BBC Two at 7:30pm to follow the latest drama from Albert Square. This temporary change comes as the France v Poland match at 5pm on Tuesday shifts the evening schedule, while Ukraine v Belgium takes the spotlight on Wednesday.

For those who can't bear to miss a moment of EastEnders, the BBC is making episodes available on iPlayer from 6am each day from Monday to Thursday. The show makes its return to its home channel, BBC One, at 7:30pm on Thursday, June 27, and will also air at 8pm on Friday, June 28, reports the Express.

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EastEnders announced these scheduling updates by posting a detailed timetable for the week on their social media platforms, ensuring fans know exactly when and where to watch. The post was accompanied by the caption: "Catch all the drama from The Square, this week on @BBCOne, @BBCTwo and on @BBCiPlayer! #EastEnders."

The news stirred reactions among fans on the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, with one viewer lamenting: "Thank you for letting us know I wish they had a different channel for football Eastenders is the best soap." Another remarked: "Oh that's right Euro 2024."

This week's storyline in EastEnders sees a robbery at Lola's charity event which will bring three new Mitchells into the fold. Teddy (played by Roland Manookian), Billy's (Perry Fenwick) surprise brother, and his sons Harry (Elijah Holloway) and Barney Mitchell (Lewis Bridgeman).

EastEnders isn't alone in experiencing schedule disruption due to the football. The One Show has also vacated its usual spot on BBC One. Last Friday's episode saw presenter Alex Jones alert viewers to the changes, cautioning: "We'll be back on Monday on BBC Two with Michael Sheen, and we are talking to Arlene Phillips, Jeevan Braich, and Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber about Starlight Express have a lovely weekend."

For now, faithful followers of the programme must adapt quick; tonight's episode will broadcast on BBC Two instead, at the slightly shifted time slot of 7:10pm. You can keep up to date with the latest TV and showbiz news by signing up to the newsletter here.