EastEnders is set to undergo a few changes this week as the FIFA World Cup takes precedence on BBC One. The much-loved soap opera will see its usual schedule disrupted due to live football coverage.
Monday and Tuesday Changes
On Monday, June 15, BBC One will show Belgium v Egypt, with coverage beginning at 7:30pm ahead of an 8pm kick-off. As a result, EastEnders will move to BBC Two, although it will still air at its regular time of 7:30pm.
The same arrangement will apply on Tuesday, June 16, when France v Senegal is broadcast. Coverage starts on BBC One at 7:30pm, with kick-off at 8pm, meaning EastEnders will once again be shown on BBC Two at 7:30pm.
Wednesday and Thursday Adjustments
On Wednesday, June 17, the soap remains on BBC One but will be pushed back to 8:30pm. This is due to the coverage of Portugal v DR Congo.
Meanwhile, Thursday's schedule is also affected by World Cup action. Czechia v South Africa kicks off at 5pm, delaying the BBC News and pushing EastEnders back to 8:30pm on BBC One.
No Changes on Friday
There are no changes on Friday, as EastEnders does not air on that day. Despite the scheduling adjustments, viewers will still get the usual four 30-minute episodes across the week.
Other Soaps Affected
ITV viewers should also note that World Cup coverage is affecting the schedules of Emmerdale and Coronation Street this week too, as the football will also affect ITV's usual scheduling.
Upcoming Wimbledon Coverage
Viewers should also be aware of the upcoming yearly coverage of Wimbledon, which may also cause disruption. The tennis competition is set to kick off on June 29th.
Character Departure
The news comes as EastEnders viewers are set to say goodbye to one of the soap's newer faces, with reports suggesting actress Ronni Ancona will depart the show in the coming weeks. According to The Sun, the actress's stint in Albert Square will come to an end after only a few months on screen. Ancona joined the BBC soap last year and made her debut in January 2026 as Bea Pollard, a former school friend of Linda Carter.
Well known for her work across television, film and comedy, Ancona has built a career spanning more than three decades. Her previous credits include roles in Last Tango in Halifax, Penelope, Skins and The Trip, while she also co-created and starred in the sketch show Big Impression.
Details surrounding Bea's exit storyline have yet to be revealed, but fans can expect the character to leave Walford in the weeks ahead.
EastEnders is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
