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Soap wars! EastEnders disaster clashes with Emmerdale

Photo credit: ITV / BBC
Photo credit: ITV / BBC

From Digital Spy

Soap fans may find themselves with divided loyalties next week, as EastEnders' shock disaster storyline goes head-to-head with Debbie Dingle's Emmerdale return.

EastEnders bosses have announced that next week's episodes will centre around a huge "incident" which rocks Albert Square, causing chaos in some action-packed scenes.

Official spoilers for next week have now revealed that the catastrophe takes place towards the end of Monday night's episode, before continuing with some dramatic repercussions on Tuesday and Thursday.

But in a case of bad timing, those pesky soap clashes are back and Tuesday's EastEnders will be going head-to-head with an hour-long Emmerdale.

Photo credit: ITV
Photo credit: ITV

Emmerdale gets a head-start next Tuesday, as a 60-minute episode starting from 7pm sees Debbie Dingle return and shock her family by revealing that she's on the run.

EastEnders doesn't start until its usual time of 7.30pm, so producers will be hoping that Monday's cliffhanger is strong enough to convince viewers to turn over.

While soap clashes aren't such a big deal in the age of catch-up TV, fans often find themselves torn over which shows to watch as they air - especially with the producers now aiming to deliver regular shocks and surprises that are kept out of pre-released spoilers.

Viewing figures also show that soaps regularly have their audiences dented when they go head-to-head, even when catch-up figures are taken into account.

Photo credit: BBC
Photo credit: BBC

The latest schedule change is due to ITV's scheduling of the National Television Awards, which air on Wednesday, January 25 from 7.30pm. This means that Coronation Street airs at 7pm that night, pushing Emmerdale out of its usual slot.

EastEnders chiefs aren't giving away what their disaster storyline is, but we know that an ordinary day on Albert Square takes a shocking turn on Monday night.

Tuesday and Thursday's episodes then reveal the aftermath, with the residents rallying around to help those in need as it becomes clear that the situation could be worse than first thought.

Emmerdale's storyline sees Debbie make her return after a year away, clearly hiding a secret as she drags her family into a troublesome situation.


Don't forget to vote for your favourite TV shows in this year's National Television Awards! Shortlist voting closes at 12 midday on Wednesday, January 25.


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