EastEnders confirm BBC schedule change next week as something 'big' is coming

Yahoo

14-06-2025

Following Chris Clenshaw's final episodes of EastEnders as executive producer, the BBC soap has confirmed a change to its usual schedule at the start of next week.
Former commissioning executive at Channel 4, Ben Wadey, who has also previously worked as a story editor on EastEnders, is now taking over the reins of Albert Square.
But as his stint as the new executive producer of Walford begins, it's been revealed there will be no usual BBC iPlayer episode dropping at 6am on Monday (June 16).
In a statement, Ben has hinted that something 'big' is on the way, as EastEnders has shared that Monday's episode will air on BBC One and iPlayer at the same time (7.30pm).
He teased: 'Next week marks the start of something big in Walford that we hope will get everyone talking, and it's only just the beginning.'
Ben also revealed what to expect in Walford over the next few months and why fans 'don't want to miss' this summer.
He added: 'We've got twists, shocks, and plenty of drama lined up for a summer you don't want to miss.'
However, the change to the BBC iPlayer schedule has left some fans speculating that an EastEnders legend is about to return after four years.
📣Schedule Alert! #EastEnders, Monday 16th June, 7:30pm on @BBCOne and @BBCiPlayer. Trust us, you won't want to miss it! (There will be no 6am iPlayer drop.) pic.twitter.com/RHt9R36pwk
— BBC EastEnders (@bbceastenders) June 13, 2025
It comes as @bbceastenders wrote on X: 'Schedule Alert! #EastEnders, Monday 16th June, 7:30pm on @BBCOne and @BBCiPlayer. Trust us, you won't want to miss it! (There will be no 6am iPlayer drop).'
In response, someone said: 'It's Max Branning and Oscar returning this Monday 16th June 2025 at Number 14 Albert Square spoiler reveal.'
Another commented: 'Please tell me Max is back!!
This viewer asked: 'Max??'
Last month, reports by The Sun suggested Max, played by Jake Wood, was set to return to Walford.
As a TV source previously said: 'Jake's return is huge news for EastEnders fans as his character made a massive mark on the show.
'It'll raise some eyebrows after he was absent from the 40th anniversary earlier this year.
'Bosses are excited about what his character's reappearance means for spicing up the plots.
'There is plenty to go at. Max has loads of unfinished business in the Square and is set to ruffle some feathers.'
EastEnders declined to comment in May.
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As reported by The Metro, Monday's episode will follow on from Kat Slater (Jessie Wallace) and Alfie Moon's (Shane Richie) wedding day.
Meanwhile, Jean Slater (Gillian Wright) is on a mission to sabotage Harvey Monroe (Ross Boatman) and Kathy Beale's (Gillian Taylforth) new business venture.
The Radio Time summary adds: 'Jean takes action to right a wrong. Alfie is clearly hiding something. George gets some much-needed advice.'