EastEnders fans are facing a last-minute schedule change tonight, as the long-running BBC soap has been moved from its regular time slot on BBC One due to the prime minister's resignation.
Schedule Shake-Up
The episode was originally scheduled to air at 8:30pm on BBC One, but live coverage of Sir Keir Starmer's resignation announcement has forced a change. BBC One has been providing round-the-clock coverage since 1pm following Starmer's announcement, leading to a major schedule shake-up.
Because the channel also has commitments to the World Cup 2026 fixtures, there is no room to place EastEnders at a different time on BBC One. However, the soap has not been axed entirely. BBC Two will air the episode at 9pm instead.
World Cup Impact
An early evening news bulletin ran from 4:30pm to 5:30pm to accommodate the Argentina vs Austria World Cup fixture, although coverage was cut, with the programme starting 30 minutes later than planned. Those 30 minutes will be added at the end of proceedings, meaning the news will take over at 8:30pm instead of EastEnders.
Viewers who cannot watch at 9pm on BBC Two can stream the episode now on BBC iPlayer.
Starmer's Resignation
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer was close to tears as he announced his resignation earlier today, citing a loss of support from his party. He said becoming Prime Minister had been the “proudest moment of my life,” but acknowledged the question of whether he was best placed to lead the party into the next general election. “I have heard the answer from my parliamentary party and I accept that answer with good grace,” he stated.
Rival Andy Burnham is likely to step up as the next Labour leader. Starmer laid out plans for leaving office to ensure an “orderly transition” in running the country.
