EastEnders fans are expressing their anger after the cancellation of tonight's episode, which was supposed to feature the dramatic return of Cindy Beale. The episode was replaced with coverage of the World Athletics Championship, leaving viewers frustrated.
Viewers Disappointed by Schedule Change
Fans of the show took to social media to express their disappointment over the sudden cancellation. Many had been looking forward to their Monday night soap fix and were not pleased with the unexpected change.
One Twitter user asked, "What do you mean there is no EastEnders tonight?" Another vented their frustration, saying, "It really is frustrating when #EastEnders schedule gets hijacked. Completely unnecessary given how many free to view channels there are available."
Spoilers Leaked as Some Watched the Episode Early
The schedule change also caused trouble among fans, as some tuned in to watch the episode early on BBC iPlayer. This led to spoilers being shared online, much to the disappointment of those who had planned to watch the episode live on TV.
One viewer shared, "Cindy, Ian, and Peter Beale are in tomorrow night's first episode at 7pm. Just watched the episode EastEnders." Another thanked those who did not share spoilers, stating, "I'll intend to watch LIVE all week from 19:00pm tomorrow for the first 2 and then Thurs from 19:00pm for the Second two."
Some fans took matters into their own hands and decided to watch the episode on iPlayer despite it being released a day early. One person shared, "Today's #EastEnders is on tomorrow, but it's on the iPlayer now, with tomorrow's date. So I'm watching it now because I can."
Schedule Changes for World Athletics Championship
The reason behind the episode cancellation is the World Athletics Championship, which is being aired on BBC One. The event will be broadcasted live from Budapest, resulting in EastEnders only airing on Tuesday and Thursday this week.
A double bill of episodes, each one hour long, will be released on those two nights. Additionally, episodes will continue to be available on iPlayer from Monday to Thursday at 6am as usual.
What to Expect in Upcoming Episodes
Despite the disappointment over the schedule change, EastEnders fans can look forward to the return of Cindy Beale, who will be making a dramatic comeback after 25 years away from the square.
Cindy will be reuniting with her ex-husband Ian Beale and their son Peter. Walford residents will be shocked to learn that Cindy is alive, as they believed she was dead. She had actually gone into witness protection and lived as 'Rose Knight' for 15 years.
Thomas Law, the actor who plays Peter, expressed his excitement about returning to the show. He commented, "It was easier in a way because they wanted to show a more mature and put-together side of Peter this time around. I played Peter for such a long time, so I felt like I really knew him."
Law also mentioned that working with Adam Woodyatt and Michelle Collins made it easy for him to get back into the role. He added, "That's not to say that I wasn't nervous on the first day on set, but all my nerves went away when I started to work with them."
EastEnders airs on BBC One and is available on iPlayer.
Thomas Law will be reprising his role as Peter during Cindy Beale's return.
