What time is Eastenders on TV? BBC schedule change 2022 explained - and when soap will now air

The BBC is making some changes to its schedule - including timings for its iconic soap EastEnders.

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Danny Dyer reading the new TV listings to see when EastEnders is on next (Credit: BBC/Jack Barnes /Kieron McCarron)Danny Dyer reading the new TV listings to see when EastEnders is on next (Credit: BBC/Jack Barnes /Kieron McCarron)
Danny Dyer reading the new TV listings to see when EastEnders is on next (Credit: BBC/Jack Barnes /Kieron McCarron)

For the first time in 37 years, EastEnders will get a permanent slot for every episode.

The adjustments follow ITV’s schedule shake-up, which has seen Coronation Street and Emmerdale change their broadcast times to make way for an extension to the ITV Evening New programme.

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So when is EastEnders on now -and what are the other changes?

When can I watch EastEnders?

EastEnders will now air at 7:30pm from Monday to Thursday.

The ITV soap will no longer air on Friday evenings.

This is a change for the long-running drama which usually does not air on Wednesdays.

However, the new timings of EastEnders means that there is a clash with ITV’s Emmerdale.

What if I watch both EastEnders and Emmerdale?

ITV has announced a scheduling change, meaning that Emmerdale will now air from 7:30pm to 8pm, five days a week.

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Although fans of both soaps will have to choose one to watch live, BBC bosses said they’re not concerned about the soaps clashing as they can rely on their ‘loyal following’ to catch up.

EastEnders fans can catch up on the Watford-based drama on iPlayer and the BBC Three omnibus at weekends.

ITV’s Coronation Street has also been pushed back and is now on from 8pm to 9pm on on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Giving fans an extra half hour of the soap, per week.

What other changes will be made to the BBC schedule?

Daytime show Doctors will be repeated on BBC Two at 7:00pm, for those who can’t watch it during the day.

The Letherbridge-based drama will air Monday to Thursday.

The One Show will remain at 7pm on weeknights, on BBC One.

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When will the adjustments take place?

The new schedule for both BBC and ITV will be in full action from Monday 7 March.

This is just in time for an exciting week in the East End of London as killer, Gray Atkins, is finally exposed on EastEnders.

Why are the changes happening?

The announcement from BBC came after the news that ITV would be extending its ITV Evening News to make it an hour-long show from 6:30pm.

BBC followed and also shook up their evening schedule, pushing back their soaps until after the ITV news programme.

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