EastEnders fans are fearing that the popular BBC soap opera "won't survive" as it goes head-to-head with ITV soap operas after a change in the schedule change is set to unleash a bumper ratings war.
The BBC and ITV will battle it out for viewers across three key soap operas – EastEnders, Corrie and Emmerdale.
Daily Star reported that an insider has said of the move: "It is a huge blow for fans of Albert Square."
From March, the regular half-hour nightly news bulletin at 6.30pm will be extended to a full hour, meaning Emmerdale will no longer start at 7pm – causing a huge shift in the schedule.
Because of ITV's shake up, their two key soap operas will change their time slots to fit in with bosses' plans.
Emmerdale will be airing every night at 7.30pm.
While Corrie will run its double episodes from 8pm until 9pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Because of the ITV shake up, BBC One rival EastEnders is going to clash with the soaps on the other channel.
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Each time EastEnders will air, it will clash with either Corrie or Emmerdale – meaning a battle for viewers will break out sooner or later.
This comes as EastEnders already faces a dip in ratings, with fears for the show escalating as Danny Dyer who plays Mick Carter in the soap leaves.
Earlier this month, Danny Dyer revealed that he was quitting his role in EastEnders leaving fans heartbroken.
He decided to quit the soap after being poached by Sky and leaving the soap in a complete crisis.
The actor – who has played Queen Vic landlord Mick Carter since 2013 – has signed to an upcoming drama on the satellite channel, which is thought to be worth six figures – less than the £1million-a-year so-called BBC deal he is a part of now.
When fans found out that EastEnders would be getting another blow in the form of the ITV schedule shake up, they couldn't help but air their frustrations.
"We don't need an hour of news," fumed one, as well as: "EastEnders won't survive this."
John Whiston ITV drama boss said: "The new format gives Coronation Street a brilliant new canvas on which to shine. "And Emmerdale will do what it does best in this new time slot."
EastEnders will be up against the other two soaps from March onwards, when the ITV shake up commences.
This comes as Corrie is set to experience a huge schedule change this week, because of ITV's coverage of the FA cup.
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