EastEnders cancelled tonight as summer-long soap schedule shake-ups begin
EASTENDERS is off screens tonight as summer-long soap schedule shake-ups come into effect.
Viewers know the BBC soap usually airs on Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm.
4
4
4
However, for this week fans will have to adjust to a schedule shake-up.
A 2026 World Cup qualifier between Wales and Belgium will be on screens tonight instead.
Airing live from Brussels, coverage begins at 7.30pm and will end at 10pm - in time for News at 10.
It means EastEnders fans will instead get their Walford fix from Tuesday to Friday this week.
Taking to Instagram, the show's account penned: "#EastEnders schedule change!
"This week's EastEnders will air Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. There is no episode tonight. But don't despair, you can also watch now on @BBCiPlayer."
One fan commented: "Can't wait see you on Tuesday, Wednesday Thursday and Friday."
Another added: "I like football but I LOVE EastEnders!! Can't miss an episode."
Meanwhile, a popular star has quit the BBC soap after four years in Albert Square.
Bobby Brazier, who has played Freddie Slater since 2022, is set to bow out.
EastEnders fans say 'someone's getting fired' as BBC soap accidentally reveals major spoilers
An EastEnders spokeswoman said: 'We can confirm that Bobby Brazier will be leaving EastEnders, and we wish him all the best for the future.'
A telly insider revealed: 'Bosses had a meeting with Bobby only recently as they had a plan in mind for a storyline, and it just so happened that Bobby was also thinking that now was the right time to look for other opportunities outside the show.
'The timing of the decision worked for both, but his final scenes are not for a while yet.
'The character has had a great run, but the time is now right for Bobby to look for other opportunities, and for EastEnders to wave goodbye to Freddie Slater.'
Furthermore, the 22-year-old's exit comes as new boss Ben Wadey makes exciting casting decisions with the returns of some high-profile stars.
EastEnders stars who've been on Strictly Come Dancing
Throughout its 20-year history, Strictly Come Dancing has welcomed several stars from BBC soap EastEnders. Here's a look at how some of them did over the years.
Christopher Parker (Series One): Christopher played Alfie Moon's (Shane Richie) younger brother Spencer from 2002 to 2005. finished as runner-up in Strictly's first series.
Jill Halfpenny (Series Two): Jill starred as Kate Mitchell in EastEnders from 2002 to 2005. She triumphed over Denise Lewis and Julian Clary to win the second series of Strictly.
Louisa Lytton (Series Four): Known for her role as EastEnders' Ruby Allen, Louisa took part in Strictly's fourth series. She finished in fourth place.
Letitia Dean (Series Five): Letitia, who debuted as Sharon Watts in the show's first episode, took to the Strictly dance floor in series five. She finished in fourth place.
Matt Di Angelo (Series Five): Dean Wicks actor Matt also competed in series five of Strictly, finishing as runner-up behind Alesha Dixon.
Gillian Taylforth (Series 6): Gillian, known for her long-running portrayal as Kathy Beale, took part in series 6. She ended up being the second person voted out.
Jessie Wallace (Series 6): Kat Slater actress Jessie also competed in series 6, but was fourth voted out.
Scott Maslen (Series 8): Scott, who plays Jack Branning, reached a respectable fourth place on Strictly.
Kara Tointon (Series 8): Kara, who played Dawn Swann, won Strictly series 8 back in 2010.
Sid Owen (Series 10): Sid, who played Ricky Butcher, was eliminated in the show's fourth week.
Jake Wood (Series 12): While his EastEnders character Max Branning was unlucky-in-love, actor Jake fared better with a fifth-place finish on Strictly.
Kellie Bright (Series 13): Kellie - aka Queen Vic landlady Linda Carter - finished as the runner-up of series 13.
Emma Barton (Series 17): Known for playing Honey Mitchell, Emma reached third place on Strictly in 2019.
Maisie Smith (Series 18): Formerly playing Tiffany Butcher-Baker, actress Maisie was 2020's second-place Strictly finalist.
Rose-Ayling Ellis (Series 19): Rose won over viewers' hearts when she soared to victory in 2021.
Bobby Brazier (Series 21): Having joined the cast as 'Freddie Slater' in 2022, Bobby joined the 2023 Strictly line-up. He finished in third place.
Jamie Borthwick (Series 22): Jamie, aka Jay Brown, won the 2023 Strictly Christmas Special - and h as been signed up for the next full series.
This includes Michelle Ryan (Zoe Slater), Jake Wood (Max Branning) and Max Bowden (Ben Mitchell).
In addition, Lacey Turner is taking a break as Stacey Slater.
Bobby scooped a National Television Award last year for rising star in the role.
EastEnders airs on BBC One and iPlayer.
4
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Telegraph
24 minutes ago
- Telegraph
Richard Wilson's fantastic King Lear is proof that the BBC should be doing more Shakespeare
According to the actor Jonathan Pryce, you should play Lear while your back can still handle it. Pryce played the octogenarian king when he was a mere 65, and still put his back out staggering onstage with Cordelia in his arms. Drama on 4: King Lear (Radio 4, Sunday) gave us a satisfying reminder that radio drama can reach the places other mediums can't, as the 89-year-old Richard Wilson took on the role – becoming the oldest British actor to do so in the process. When he staggers on with Cordelia in Sunday's concluding part, Wilson's back will be safe. Clive Brill's production, while relatively no-frills, is a treat, as well as being a potential blueprint for BBC radio drama. Wilson is the eye-catching name at the top of the bill, but the undercard isn't too shabby either – Toby Jones as Gloucester, David Tennant as Edmund, Greta Scacchi as Goneril, Tamsin Greig as Regan. Renowned cellist Steven Isserlis adds interstitial howls from his bow, which begin a little overbearing but grow in stature as the play increases in intensity. Among the less starry cast, Trevor Fox's Geordie Fool stands out. However, it is Wilson that this production will be judged on. His Lear is a slow-burn, beginning, as he vaingloriously beseeches his daughters to shower him with sycophancy in return for a share of the kingdom, in a stubbornly low gear. It is a little jarring at first, with Lear sounding mildly peeved rather than furious at Cordelia's refusal to play ball. 'Come not between a dragon and his wrath,' he says, sounding more like a sleepy guard dog lazing in the sun. While it's sensible not to start Lear at too high a pitch – he has some serious emotional mountains to climb later – I was, in those very early scenes, left wanting a bit more p--s and vinegar from Wilson. His stolid, pompous statesman act felt like it was going to be overshadowed by Tennant's duplicitous bastard (in every sense of the word) Edmund. Tennant gave the listener a fairground ride of an opening soliloquy ('Why brand they us / With base? with baseness? bastardy? base, base?') and his slippery chameleon act was matched by an emotionally raw performance from Jones, who reacted to Edgar's invented betrayal with the sort of passion previously missing from Wilson. Perhaps Wilson was to play an anchor role next to the pyrotechnics from his younger castmates. I was, like Lear, too quick to rush judgement and gradually Wilson's haughty, dismissive old king began to take a grip on proceedings. His Lear is a man who has grown used to hearing no dissent, to having his every whim catered to. When things do not go his way, he does not get angry (at first), because he does not need to – he'll still win. At the point Cordelia 'betrays' him, his reaction is not hot anger, but a surprised disappointment followed by a swift execution. He is vain, thin-skinned, completely in love with his own power, and unwilling to brook any kind of dissent or believe the cards will not fall for him. 'Fetch me a better answer,' he says when Regan and Goneril will not meet him. There is, yes, something very Trumpian about this Lear. If there's a sense that Wilson is saving something up for the more explosive events of this weekend's instalment, that's understandable, but it's tricky to truly give a verdict on his Lear before he has wandered the heath and delivered the most memorable lines ('Blow, winds, and crack your cheeks!', 'Howl, howl, howl, howl!', 'I don't believe it!' etc). Yet what a pleasure it is to hear him, age 89, delivering the words that presumably he'd long given up imagining he would. The production is also a salute to the power of the older actor – Matthew Marsh (Kent) is 70, Scacchi is 65, Jones and Greig are 58. Yet that cast is significant for another reason – put this production on in the West End, with the same actors, and you'd be paying more than £100 to sit behind a pillar or peer at them dimly from the upper circle. With theatre pricing becoming increasingly eye-watering, the BBC has a chance to remind everyone (ahead of charter renewal) of its essential place in British culture. With the Corporation's sway and reputation, they could put a star-name Shakespeare on once a month, or even once a week, increasing access beyond those who can justify the exorbitant West End fees. Not only can BBC radio drama save Wilson's back, it can save something that should be coursing through the nation's veins.
Daily Mirror
29 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Jermaine Jenas axed from ITV show after BBC sacking and sexting scandal
Jermaine Jenas has been largely absent from media work since being sacked by the BBC last summer and he will not be involved in Soccer Aid coverage for ITV this weekend Jermaine Jenas will not be part of the ITV team covering Soccer Aid this weekend amid the continued fallout from being sacked by the BBC over allegations of workplace misconduct. The former England international was axed in August over claims he had sent inappropriate texts to female colleagues. Jenas was removed from his role as a presenter of The One Show and a pundit for BBC Sport after an internal investigation was launched. Jenas saw his contract terminated by the broadcaster and ultimately also parted ways with his long-term agents MC Saatchi in addition to being let go from his role presenting Formula E. Previous years have seen Jenas work alongside Maya Jama as part of coverage for the charity match Soccer Aid, with the likes of Dermot O'Leary and Alex Scott taking on presenting duties. The latter pair are set to host once again as England taking on a Rest of the World side with Wayne Rooney and Tyson Fury co-managing the Three Lions at Old Trafford on Sunday. According to Mail Online, Jenas was not considered by ITV to be part of the production. The channel did not want to bring unwanted attention to an event centred around charity, given Jenas' recent controversies. It is claimed that ITV still have a good relationship with the former Newcastle and Tottenham midfielder. Jenas has returned to working in the sphere of football in the aftermath of his sacking by BBC, however. After stepping back from his role as a presenter on talkSPORT, the 42-year-old appeared as a guest and returned to action as a commentator in February. Upon his return, Jenas told the station: "The biggest thing in this whole situation is about taking responsibility and that has been at the forefront of my mind… There's a reason why you're in this position and there's a reason why this has happened. "Once you accept those things, then you can work on yourself and you can work on the other things and you can work on your family and work towards a brighter future. Essentially this is about me looking inwards, making some improvements and coming back a better person.' In March, Ellie Penfold announced her split from Jenas. The pair share four children and Penfold took so social media to confirm the end of her 16-year relationship. "I never imagined I would have to share something so personal with the public, but given the situation, I feel it's necessary," she 16 years together and 4 wonderful children, Jermaine and I have decided to part ways. "We will remain friends and continue to co-parent. We kindly ask that you respect our children's privacy during this challenging time. Thank you, Ellie." Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Daily Mirror
39 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Race Across The World stars 'not cocky' as they reach final after tense battle
They've raced 14,000km across Asia now the hit show's loyal audience of 7million will finally find out which of the four teams has clinched victory It's the final of the BBC1 series Race Across the World, and the win could go to any of the four remaining teams who have trekked 8,700 miles from the Great Wall of China across Nepal, to the bottom of India. As they start the seventh and final leg, current leaders Tom and Caroline Bridge are seen as the biggest threat by the other competitors when it comes to taking the title - and the £20K prize money. Brothers Brian and Melvyn Mole - both in their 60s - have always been wary of Caroline, who fears that she's missed out on life by being a housewife. 'She had a glint in her eye from about leg two and I thought 'crumbs this girl is out to win this',' Brian reckoned. But he and Melvyn are determined to do everything they can to clinch the title themselves - along with the £20k prize - having surprised themselves by winning three legs during the competition. 'If you enter something like this, you enter to win, and you do your best, and it keeps you self-believing that you're capable of doing anything,' Brian said. The pair have proved popular with viewers and bookies alike - until they finished 17 hours behind the leaders in last week's leg after opting to take the slower route to Panaji, which avoided Mumbai. Now they know they have a serious amount of catching up to do if they are to triumph. Despite this, Melvyn said: 'I'm proud of what we've done. I'm disappointed that we dropped on the last leg. I don't necessarily think the race is about winning, though, it's about the experiences.' BBC viewers have loved watching the estranged brothers, who were treated differently by their strict, old-fashioned parents, rebuild their bond and enjoy spending time together. Driving instructor Melvyn, 65, reflected: 'We have got closer together, there is no doubt about that. Brian didn't surprise me, but I think how well we got on did.' Financial advisor Brian, 62, said that they now plan to keep in regular contact. 'We want to do things together a bit more, and if there's an adventure to be had again, we'll do it! I think friends and others that know me would have probably thought I would not survive the race but no surprise to me, I always knew we could do it. We are both winners in what we've achieved so far on the race.' Both men said they'd jump at the chance to replay the experience, with Brian explaining: 'As uncomfortable, as irritating, as frustrating as the journeys sometimes were, I'd do it again.' Sisters Elizabeth and Letitia said they also viewed the mother and son team of Tom and Caroline as their biggest rivals. 'They've been steady climbers and have been very determined,' Letitia said. 'But Fin and Sioned really want to win a leg! Anything could happen.' And Elizabeth hasn't written off Brian and Melvyn, pointing out they had 'become so competitive'. The pair would love the victory for themselves. 'We've really pushed ourselves to work as hard as we can, keep on fighting and be resilient.' Like the Mole brothers, they feel that the show has put their sibling relationship on a whole new footing. 'I think coming out of the show we're a lot more comfortable with each other, we're talking more and expressing ourselves and communicating better,' introverted, younger, wiser Letitia, 26, said. Extroverted older sister Elizabeth, 33, said she'd been thrilled with how they'd both coped. 'I don't think I thought Letitia was as resilient as she was, and also her confidence, she's always stood behind me or pushed me to take the lead, but there were so many times where she just went for it.' Current leaders Caroline, 60, and 21-year-old Tom admit they are going all out to take the title. 'We're desperate to win, and we also don't want it to end, we're loving it so much – we're having more fun than we thought we would,' Caroline declared. 'The pressure is on both of us, we're in the lead so we're trying to feel confident but not cocky because we know anything can go wrong at any time.' They feel the biggest challengers are the Welsh teenagers and the sisters. Tom said: 'I think Fin and Sioned are people to look out for as they managed to make a massive comeback, and when it comes to the run route, they can run quicker and faster than we can, so that's a worry. Caroline added: 'Elizabeth and Letitia have always worried us, they've been so consistent, I don't think they've ever been bottom.' Caroline said that she'd learned many life lessons along the way, including 'to try and be more spontaneous and have a more carefree attitude and try and stop worrying. Being in India showed me you have to grab life with two hands because it is so precious. I've had a glimpse at life through a younger person's eyes, who hasn't got the weight of the world on his shoulders, and its taught me to enjoy the simple things.' They said their whole relationship had changed as a result of the show. 'We are very happy in each other's company, more so as adults rather than mother and son. Age doesn't come into it any more.' Tom said he couldn't believe how much better they'd got at travelling over the course of the series. 'I think looking back to how we were doing in leg one, compared to how we're doing now in leg seven, it's a massive achievement.' Teenage racer Fin Gough admitted that he never wants to go home. The 19-year-old, competing alongside 18-year-old girlfriend Sioned Cray, said he can't bear the thought of it all ending. 'I would pay everything I have to do it again,' he sighed in an interview given before setting off for the last time. 'I don't want to come back.' Sioned says she and Fin have learned loads from their travels. 'I think it was being together with no-one else to direct us in any way,' Sioned said. 'It was having the responsibility of making all the decisions ourselves – that was a huge challenge for us at the start, but we did get used to it.' They now think the title could go to any of the four teams. 'At the start it was always Elizabeth and Letitia - no matter how well we thought we were doing, they always seemed to be in front of us - then it was Tom and Caroline and right now it's everyone's game.' They'd love to triumph themselves. Fin, who has type 1 diabetes, said: 'I'm so proud of us for doing it, fresh out of school and so young. We've faced so many challenges along the way, to come out on top would prove to ourselves that we can do it.' Sioned agreed: 'I think doing the race is a huge accomplishment, but being able to say that we're the winners and having that title would be amazing.'
