EastEnders fans will have access to every single episode for the next few weeks on BBC iPlayer, as the streaming platform will show all the latest programmes during the Olympics.
The delayed 2020 Games, which are being hosted in Japan, are due to start on July 23.
Viewers have been worrying about whether EastEnders will be delayed or simply vanished from the schedules, because of the coverage of the Euros 2020 football tournament, also delayed from last year.
The BBC announced the move on social media today, saying, “We are so excited to announce that EastEnders will continue to box set episodes on BBC iPlayer, on Mondays until the end of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. “
They shared an image of the famous Thames logo with the five Olympic rings on top, and the word “News!”
(Image: BBC)
The statement continued: “All four episodes dropping weekly on Mondays until the end of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.”
“By giving you the choice to watch the show on iPlayer or on broadcast TV, *you* are in control of when and where you visit Walford,” the message ended.
EastEnders boss Jon Sen said: “We’re so glad that the audience has enjoyed getting ahead of the game – keeping up with Albert Square on iPlayer whilst enjoying the Euros, so we’re carrying on releasing the week’s episodes on Monday throughout Tokyo 2020. “
He continued” “There’s enough happening in Walford this summer to keep everyone on the edge of their seats and we’re thrilled audiences won’t need to miss out on anything – starting with the match this Saturday!”
“So, settle down on the sofa, put your feet up, and get yourself ready for a splendid summer in The Square,” the executive producer added.
During the last month on the long-running show, Kat Slater (Jessie Wallace) has taken over the old laundrette premises after Phil (Steve McFadden) offered to buy it for her.
She’s going to turn the building into the HQ of her new business, Kat’s Cabs.
And Patrick (Rudolph Walker) is currently involved in a heartbreaking storyline involving Isaac Baptiste, who is struggling with schizophrenia.
This news comes in the wake of reports that Monday’s episode of EastEnders only had 1.4 million viewers, which is the lowest audience number ever recorded in the programme’s 36-year history.
It is thought that ratings have been affected by the football, extended coverage of the tennis from Wimbledon and the summer weather.
Audiences already choose BBC iPlayer as the watching destination, with the latest figures showing a massive 13.4 million episode views on the streaming platform.