When is EastEnders on this week? BBC World Cup 2026 schedule as tournament reaches semi-final stage
EASTENDERS fans are in for yet another week of schedule shake-ups as World Cup 2026 once again takes priority.
But fear not – you won’t miss out on a minute of Albert Square action as long as you know when (and where) to tune in.
When is EastEnders on this week?
EastEnders is airing its usual four episodes this week, albeit with a couple of nights switched around.
The Beeb’s soap stalwart has been bumped from the schedule on one of its normal nights, but an extra installment has been added to make up for it.
On Wednesday, July 15, England’s World Cup semi-final grudge match against Argentina will be shown on BBC One.
And while BBC Two has been picking up the slack throughout much of the tournament and showing EastEnders when the footie is on, this week the broadcaster has come up with another solution.
EastEnders doesn’t usually air on Fridays, but to make up for Wednesday’s missed episode, the BBC is making an exception.
This week’s schedule is as follows:
- Monday, July 13: 7.30pm on BBC One
- Tuesday, July 14: 7.30pm on BBC One
- Wednesday, July 15: No episode
- Thursday, July 16: 7.30pm on BBC One
- Friday, July 17: 7.30pm on BBC One
How can I watch EastEnders on iPlayer?
Every episode of EastEnders is released on iPlayer from 6am on the day it is due to be broadcast.
So you can watch the latest goings-on in Walford from early in the morning if you prefer.
And even if you are caught out by the schedule switch-up, you can still enjoy all of the drama.
On July 11, The Sun exclusively revealed that an Albert Square legend has been permanently axed from the show.
Michelle Ryan, 42, delighted fans when she returned to Walford as Zoe Slater after a 20-year absence in 2025.
But shortly after returning to the screen, she asked for time off before quitting the show.
And less than a year after her comeback, bosses have made it permanent by killing off her character.
Michelle shot her last scenes in June, and fans will see what happens over the coming months.
A source said: “Michelle’s long-awaited return has been somewhat flat and lacklustre.
“There’s been a backlash about her comeback, leaving some fans disappointed with her on-screen presence.
“There has been some disappointment backstage that the return was short-lived as everyone loved Zoe Slater’s historic moments.”
