Fans of EastEnders will soon only be able to watch the series for four days a week after a shake up to its TV scheduling.
For the first time in its 37-year history, the soap will now air from Monday to Thursday every night at 7:30pm.
The change is said to be coming into force next month with BBC bosses reportedly no longer concerned about avoiding soap clashes as viewers can catch up on BBC iPlayer.
According to the Mirror Exclusive, the change is said to have also been sparked by ITV’s announcement that Coronation Street will be switching to an hour-long format three times a week while Emmerdale will be "stripped" across the week at 7.30pm.
In addition, the exclusive also revealed that ITV’s changes were "prompted by the desire to run an hour-long news bulletin from 6.30 to 7.30pm, fronted by Mary Nightingale."
One BBC source explained: "Bosses made the decision to change up the schedule when ITV made their announcement. In the past, if there was ever a clash between the soaps it was the audience who lost out, but viewers consume TV differently these days.
"It's no longer about the overnight ratings because they don’t reflect the true picture of who is tuning in. You only have to look at the numbers watching EastEnders on iPlayer, the figures are pretty incredible."
The soap, which received over 285 million streams during 2021, still remains as popular as ever today with the latest drama revolving around evil Albert Square killer Gray.
BBC Studios’ continuing drama chief Kate Oates told the Mirror: "We’re delighted that, from 7th March, there will be new regular time slots for EastEnders on BBC1, and Doctors on BBC2.
"Both shows have a loyal following; and this new simplified schedule means it’s even easier for viewers to get their fix, as well as being able to watch whenever and wherever they choose on iPlayer.
"A 7pm time slot gives a whole new audience chance to enjoy the drama in Leatherbridge; while EastEnders’ new 7.30pm slot begins with a hugely exciting week, as killer Gray Atkins is finally exposed."
Announcing ITV’s changes last month, boss Kevin Lygo explained: "We know that, as with all dramas, viewers increasingly watch them whenever, and however they choose.
"The new scheduling means that viewers can watch them live on TV in one go in a continuous soap fix, as well as on ITV Hub where they are regularly in the most watched shows every month."
