EastEnders in scheduling chaos — here's when to watch

The Albert Square sign on the set of EastEnders

EastEnders will now air tonight and not tomorrow. (Image credit: BBC)

EastEnders fans have been left baffled after the BBC has issued an urgent change to tonight's TV scheduling (Thursday, October 3).

Initially, soap fans were left frustrated that they would have to wait until Friday evening to see this week's fourth episode of EastEnders after the BBC moved it to make way for an interview between Laura Kuenssberg and former Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

The half-hour interview, in which the former political editor was due to lead a one-to-one discussion with Boris Johnson in his first major interview since leaving office as prime minister, was due to air between 7.30 pm and 8 pm, which is when the BBC soap traditionally airs.

However, Boris's interview has now been pulled from the schedules at the last minute after an error behind the scenes that saw Laura accidentally send the former Prime Minister her briefing notes.

In a statement on Twitter/X she said today: "While prepping to interview Boris Johnson by mistake I sent our briefing notes to him in a message meant for my team. That obviously means it’s not right for the interview to go ahead. It’s very frustrating, and there’s no point pretending it’s anything other than embarrassing and disappointing."

Patrick Trueman standing next to Yolande Trueman — Patrick ahs been supporting Yolande through a difficult week. (Image credit: BBC)

However, this is great news for soap fans becasue the BBC has now moved EastEnders back into its usual Thursday night slot, and fans can now watch the epsiode meant to air tomorrow, this evening at 7.30 pm on BBC One. And let us tell you, it is an episode not to be missed because a Walford legend is making a comeback!

The episode, which is also already on BBC iPlayer along with all of this week's episodes, sees fan-favourite David Wicks returning, just as his daughter, Bianca, hits rock bottom in her plan to expose killer Reiss.

Tonight's rescheduled episode will also see Kat and Alfie struggling to cope with their teenage son Tommy, while Cindy is shocked when her secret lover Junior makes a surprise request and Patrick offers Yolande his support in the wake of Pastor Clayton's death.

EastEnders airs tonight at 7.30pm on BBC One and all episodes are also available on BBC iPlayer.

Claire is Assistant Managing Editor at What To Watch and has been a journalist for over 15 years, writing about everything from soaps and TV to beauty, entertainment, and even the Royal Family. After starting her career at a soap magazine, she ended up staying for 13 years, and over that time she’s pulled pints in the Rovers Return, sung karaoke in the Emmerdale village hall, taken a stroll around Albert Square, and visited Summer Bay Surf Club in sunny Australia.

After learning some tricks of the trade at websites Digital Spy, Entertainment Daily, and Woman & Home, Claire landed a role at What’s On TV and whattowatch.com writing about all things TV and film, with a particular love for Aussie soaps, Strictly Come Dancing and Bake Off.

She’s interviewed everyone from June Brown — AKA Dot Cotton — to Michelle Keegan, swapped cooking tips with baking legend Mary Berry backstage at the NTAs, and danced the night away with soap stars at countless awards bashes. There’s not a lot she doesn’t know about soaps and TV and can be very handy when a soapy question comes up in a pub quiz!

As well as all things soap-related, Claire also loves running, spa breaks, days out with her kids, and getting lost in a good book.