EastEnders will be off air on Monday next week as the BBC soap undergoes a schedule shake up due to the 2026 World Cup qualifier between Belgium and Wales
If you’re planning to settle down for your usual EastEnders fix next Monday (June 9), you might need to rethink.
The soap is set for a schedule reshuffle next week but it’s all not all bad news as all four episodes will still air.
The BBC drama typically airs from Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm. For those fans who can’t wait until the evening, they have the option to catch the action from 6am on BBC iPlayer.
However, next week the programme will be broadcast from Tuesday to Friday due to the 2026 World Cup qualifier between Belgium and Wales, live from Brussels.
Coverage will kick off at 7:30 straight after The One Show, wrapping up at 10pm just in time for the BBC News at 10. The first visit to Albert Square next week will be available to watch on iPlayer from 6am on Tuesday June 10.
But that’s not the only major shake-up for the soap. Next Friday (June 13) will mark executive producer Chris Clenshaw’s final episode before Ben Wadey steps in, reports the Mirror.
Last October, it was revealed that Chris Clenshaw had decided to step down as Executive Producer in February 2025 once the soap has celebrated its 40th anniversary.
It will be a memorable swansong for Chris, as Kat and Alfie gear up to tie the knot once again. But will it really be third time lucky for one of Walford’s favourite couples?
Chris returned to EastEnders taking on the role as Executive Producer in January 2022. During his tenure, Chris crafted many bold and unforgettable storylines that will go down in the show’s history, including The Six flashforward whodunit, and the return of Cindy Beale.
Chris Clenshaw, who brought back fan favourites including Jacqueline Jossa, Shane Richie, Angela Wynter and Patsy Palmer, has spoken about his decision to leave EastEnders. He said: “As a proud EastEnders fan, it has been the honour of my life to be its custodian.It has meant everything to me, and I’ve given Walford my all.
“I made the tough decision that I would step down after the 40th anniversary many months ago – to keep EastEnders creatively refreshed as it’s a show that needs to constantly evolve.
“After what will be three years at the helm and leading the team through its milestone celebrations, the time feels right that I hand over the keys to The Queen Vic.”
“Elstree holds a special place in my heart, and I know when the day comes, it’ll be hard to tear myself away. My special thanks go to the sensational EastEnders cast and crew that I’m incredibly proud to have led over the past few years, and who have provided me with unwavering support.
“Their commitment, passion and talent has inspired me every day, and I am so grateful to them and proud of everything that we’ve achieved together.”
