EastEnders fans woke up to a bit of a surprise on Monday, June 9, 2025, as the beloved BBC soap was notably absent from its usual 7:30 pm slot on BBC One. The reason? A thrilling FIFA World Cup group qualifier match between Wales and Belgium took center stage instead, pushing the soap’s broadcast schedule back by a day for this week only.
For years, EastEnders has been a staple of early evening television, airing Monday through Thursday at 7:30 pm. This week, however, viewers had to adjust to a temporary shake-up. The BBC’s flagship football program, Match of the Day Live, took over the Monday night slot, with coverage kicking off at 7:30 pm ahead of the 7:45 pm kickoff at King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels. The match, a crucial qualifier for the 2026 World Cup, pitted Wales against Belgium, the latter still boasting remnants of their famed 'golden generation'.
The football match was expected to run until around 10 pm, seamlessly followed by BBC News at Ten, leaving no room for EastEnders on the evening schedule. But fans needn’t despair; while the TV broadcast was postponed, the soap’s digital presence remained uninterrupted. As the BBC’s official EastEnders social media channels highlighted, the episode that would have aired Monday was available early on BBC iPlayer from 6 am, allowing eager viewers to catch up without delay.
From Tuesday, June 10, through Friday, June 13, EastEnders resumed its usual 7:30 pm broadcast schedule, delivering four episodes across the week. This meant that despite the Monday disruption, fans were still treated to a full slate of episodes, albeit shifted by one day on television.
This schedule change comes amid a particularly dramatic week in Albert Square, centered around the third wedding of iconic characters Kat Slater and Alfie Moon. The pair’s nuptials have been a rollercoaster, with last week’s wedding chaos setting the stage for a week filled with tension and uncertainty. Issues such as Alfie’s disorganisation, intimacy insecurities, and concerns about their son Tommy’s troubling behaviour cast a shadow over the ceremony, making for gripping television.
Tommy, played by Sonny Kendall, finds himself influenced by toxic online content about women, encouraged by the troubled character Joel Marshall, portrayed by Max Murray. This storyline adds a contemporary edge to the soap’s traditional drama, reflecting real-world issues that resonate with many viewers.
While the televised episodes were delayed on Monday, the early release on iPlayer ensured that fans who prefer streaming could stay on track with the unfolding drama. This dual approach—delaying TV broadcasts but maintaining the digital schedule—illustrates the BBC’s commitment to catering to diverse viewing habits in an increasingly digital era.
Beyond the scheduling news, the soap also faces notable cast changes this year. Bobby Brazier, who has portrayed Freddie Slater since 2022, is set to exit EastEnders later in 2025. The show’s spokesperson confirmed his departure, wishing him well for future endeavors. Brazier, who also gained recognition as a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing in 2023 (finishing third), has been a rising star, even scooping a National Television Award in 2023 for his role.
His exit comes as new EastEnders executive producer Ben Wadey is making bold casting moves, including the anticipated returns of fan-favourite characters such as Max Branning (Jake Wood), Ben Mitchell (Max Bowden), and Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan). Meanwhile, Lacey Turner, known for her portrayal of Stacey Slater, is taking a break from the show, adding further intrigue to the evolving cast dynamics.
The soap’s Instagram account has been active in keeping fans updated about these changes and the schedule shifts, often sharing behind-the-scenes insights and engaging with the community. Fans have expressed mixed feelings about the Monday broadcast absence, with some lamenting the clash between their love for EastEnders and football, while others have embraced the change, appreciating the excitement of the World Cup qualifiers.
EastEnders’ tradition of intertwining gripping personal stories with topical social issues continues to engage audiences, and the current wedding week storyline is no exception. As the drama unfolds on screen, viewers can expect a rollercoaster of emotions, with the fate of Alfie and Kat’s wedding hanging in the balance amid family tensions and external pressures.
The BBC’s scheduling decision reflects the challenge of balancing popular entertainment with major sporting events, especially as the World Cup qualifiers ramp up intensity ahead of the 2026 tournament. Such shifts are likely to continue as football fever grips the nation, but the soap’s availability on iPlayer ensures devoted viewers won’t miss a beat.
In summary, while EastEnders fans had to wait an extra day to watch their favourite characters on BBC One this week, the soap’s digital availability mitigated the disruption. The week promises plenty of drama, both on screen with the wedding storyline and behind the scenes with significant cast changes. As the soap navigates these transitions, it remains a cornerstone of British television drama, adapting to the evolving media landscape while keeping its loyal audience hooked.
