EastEnders will not air on BBC One tonight for the first time in 41 years, as the soap moves to BBC Two due to the FIFA World Cup. The schedule shake-up will affect the entire week's episodes.
Why the Change?
Ordinarily, EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7:30pm on BBC One. However, this week the BBC is broadcasting World Cup matches, forcing the soap to shift channels. Tonight, the episode will air at 7:30pm on BBC Two, while BBC One shows Belgium vs Egypt from Seattle Stadium.
Tomorrow, the same pattern continues: EastEnders on BBC Two, while France vs Senegal airs on BBC One from New Jersey Stadium in New York.
Return to BBC One
The soap will return to BBC One on Wednesday and Thursday, but at a later time of 8:30pm. Fans can still watch episodes early on BBC iPlayer, as they will be available daily from 6am. Wednesday's episode follows Portugal vs Democratic Republic of Congo, and Thursday's comes after Czech Republic vs South Africa.
Storyline Highlights
Tonight's episode focuses on the fallout from last week, as Denise Fox (Diane Parish) continues to hide her blood cancer diagnosis from her family. The truth is set to emerge this week, ahead of her daughter Libby's (Belinda Owusu) return to Albert Square.
Additionally, a familiar face is coming to Walford. Former Strictly Come Dancing contestant La Voix will make a cameo appearance to celebrate Pride month. The drag icon, real name Christopher Dennis, will perform at the Queen Vic as part of Walford's LGBTQ+ celebrations, which began in 2019. La Voix is a close friend of actress Harriet Thorpe, who plays Elaine Peacock.
Strictly Connection
Meanwhile, Strictly Come Dancing is getting its own EastEnders link, as Lacey Turner (Stacey Slater) has been announced as the first contestant for this year's series. Turner said: 'I am so excited to be making my way to the dance floor this year. I am a huge fan and can't quite believe I will be taking part.'
Other announced contestants include Delta Goodrem and Dani Dyer, whose father Danny Dyer played Mick Carter on EastEnders.
