BBC EastEnders fans say 'I'm nervous' as soap issues huge announcement

EastEnders fans have been left saying the same thing following an announcement about the Christmas and New Years schedule.

Avid viewers of the BBC One soap have got used to being able to watch each new episode early on BBC iPlayer, this will not be the case on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year's Day.

It has been confirmed that, as with last year, fans won't be able to watch the two new episodes on Christmas Day. but will instead have to wait until they air on BBC One.

The first of the two Christmas Day episodes will air at 7.30pm on the December 25, while the second is scheduled for 10.35pm, meaning a nail-biting three-hour wait after what is sure to be a huge cliffhanger.

Additionally, Boxing Day's (Thursday, December 26) episode will also not air early on BBC iPlayer and will be available in line with the terrestrial release at 8:30pm. On top of this, the much-anticipated New Year's Day (Wednesday, January 1) episode will air at 10pm on BBC One and simultaneously on BBC iPlayer.

Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share their thoughts on the decision to not air episodes early on iPlayer, one fan penned: "omfg no early release on christmas day, boxing day or new year’s day??? something big looms." Another added: "Something bigs happening on Christmas Day then."

A third person said: "Christmas Day is going to be an absolute s**t show and I cannot WAIT. #EastEnders." a fourth social media user said: "Slightly still obsessed that Boxing Day isn’t going to be early release too. This whole festive period is actually such a mystery and I'm nervous but very excited. Something big is happening over Crimbo and definitely New Year Day #EastEnders."

During Monday's (December 23) episode, which is available to watch on