EastEnders confirms BBC iPlayer shakeup and reveals which episodes won’t get early release over Christmas and New Year
EASTENDERS have confirmed a huge shakeup to BBC iPlayer as they revealed some episodes won’t get an early release over Christmas.
Bosses have announced the change for the festive period as they clamp down on spoilers before the dramatic episodes.
Since last year EastEnders fans have been able to catch that night’s episode early on iPlayer from 6am.
However, starting from today – December 23 – Beeb bosses have axed the first look drops.
Viewers will have to tune in for their Walford fix as Cindy’s lies are set to be exposed in a good old-fashioned Christmas Day showdown.
The two-part instalment will air at 7:30pm and 10:35pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
On Monday, December 30th and Tuesday 31st, the early releases will briefly return before stopping for the New Year’s Day episode at 10pm.
EastEnders will then return to its normal schedule from Thursday, January 2nd.
Reacting to the shakeup, one fan said: “Cool. Looking forward to an unspoilt watching.”
A second wrote: “Omfg no early release on Christmas day, Boxing day or new year’s day??? Something big looms.”
“Do you think 10pm episodes are acceptable, I think not,” fumed a third.
Meanwhile, last week it was revealed how ITV bosses have made a U-turn and will now drop their Christmas Day episode on ITVX before it airs on television.
The festive visit to Weatherfield is also Helen Worth’s final scenes as Gail Platt after 50 years in the role.
EastEnders Christmas and New Year's schedule
Monday December 23 – 6am iPlayer & 7:30pm BBC One
Tuesday December 24 – 6am iPlayer & 7:45pm BBC One
Christmas Day – 7:30pm & 10:35pm BBC One & iPlayer
Boxing Day – 8:30pm BBC One & iPlayer
Monday December 30 – 6am iPlayer & 7:30pm BBC One
Tuesday December 31 – 6am iPlayer & 7:30pm BBC One
New Year’s Day – 10pm BBC One & iPlayer
Thursday January 2 – 6am iPlayer & 7:30pm BBC One