YOU NEED TO KNOW THIS Here’s why you can watch EastEnders episodes earlier than usual this week

EastEnders has been subject to several schedule changes recently, and this week is no different.

The BBC soap has seen its programming be altered due to Wimbledon and UEFA Women’s Euros 2025, with double-headers being introduced to compensate for any nights where Walford is absent from the small screen.

While the annual tennis championship has now concluded, the football tournament is due to run until 27 July, meaning this week’s episodes – with the exception of Monday’s (14 July) – have all seen their scheduling altered.

Thursday’s (17 July) instalment has been amended due to the BBC’s coverage of England vs Sweden, though fans won’t be short-changed as it has resulted in a double-bill – from 7.30pm until 8.30pm – on Tuesday.

There is also an alteration on Wednesday due to the coverage of Norway vs Italy, though the episode will air at the slightly earlier time of 7pm. For eager soap fans, the instalments will be released at 6am on BBC iPlayer like usual.

julie bates, nigel bates, eastenders

🌐 𝑾𝒆𝒃𝒔𝒊𝒕𝒆: 𝑪𝒐𝒓𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒘𝒔.𝒊𝒏𝒇𝒐 – 𝑶𝒇𝒇𝒊𝒄𝒊𝒂𝒍 𝑵𝒆𝒘𝒔 𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒏𝒆𝒍

While the soap is undergoing some scheduling alterations, the drama is still coming thick and fast, with Karen Henthorn recently confirmed to be reprising her role as Julie Bates after a 27-year absence.

“It’s very surreal to be back in Albert Square after 27 years and working with the delightful Paul Bradley [who plays Nigel Bates] again – it’s scary how fast the time has gone!,” said Henthorn. “Julie has got some awful surprises ahead of her after the initial relief she feels to discover Nigel is still alive.

lauren branning, oscar, eastenders

🌐 𝑾𝒆𝒃𝒔𝒊𝒕𝒆: 𝑪𝒐𝒓𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒘𝒔.𝒊𝒏𝒇𝒐 – 𝑶𝒇𝒇𝒊𝒄𝒊𝒂𝒍 𝑵𝒆𝒘𝒔 𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒏𝒆𝒍

“It’s been great to film with Paul and Steve [McFadden, who plays Phil Mitchell], who are such lovely actors, as Julie discovers Nigel’s dementia diagnosis and why he chose to hide it from her.”

Oscar Branning has also returned to the Square, now played by Pierre Moullier. Monday’s episode saw Lauren collect her brother from a youth offender’s centre following Oscar’s three-month sentence for stealing a car.

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