Fans of *EastEnders* are fuming as the iconic BBC One soap is set to be bumped off the air to make way for a special interview with former Prime Minister Boris Johnson. The interview, conducted by Laura Kuenssberg, will air next Thursday at 7:30 p.m., taking over *EastEnders’* usual slot, which has left viewers frustrated and vocal about the disruption.

For die-hard *EastEnders* fans, the show typically airs in the evening time slot on Thursday nights, and having their beloved soap pushed back once again has sparked widespread outrage. The rescheduled episode will now be broadcast on Friday, and while it will likely be available to stream on BBC iPlayer ahead of the airing, this hasn’t done much to appease fans who are tired of the constant scheduling changes.

Many viewers took to social media to voice their dissatisfaction, with one fan, Kri Louise, expressing her frustration on X (formerly Twitter), writing, “Why couldn’t they just put the Boris interview on Friday instead?” Another fan agreed, posting, “Why can’t they put the interview on Friday or air it on BBC News?”

The *EastEnders* fanbase is feeling increasingly exasperated, as this isn’t the first time in 2024 that the soap has been moved from its regular time slot. In fact, this will be the fifth time this year that *EastEnders* has been rescheduled to a Friday due to various disruptions, including the FA Cup, the 2024 election campaign, and Euro 2024 coverage. For a show that has been a staple of BBC One’s nightly programming for nearly four decades, these frequent shifts have left viewers feeling like their beloved soap is being sidelined.

Adding to the frustration is the fact that 2024 is a significant year for *EastEnders*. Next year, the show will celebrate its 40th anniversary, a milestone for one of Britain’s longest-running soaps. Fans are eagerly anticipating the celebratory episodes and have high hopes for the special events the show has planned to mark the occasion. One of the most exciting reveals is that, in a first for the soap, *EastEnders* will air a live episode, allowing the audience to influence the outcome of a key storyline in real time.

While details about the interactive episode are still under wraps, it’s been confirmed that the live broadcast will involve a love story, and the audience will have the power to determine how it unfolds. This unique twist has generated a lot of buzz among fans, who are looking forward to participating in shaping the narrative.

However, with the constant scheduling disruptions this year, fans are left wondering how smoothly the anniversary celebrations will go. Loyal viewers are already feeling the sting of having their weekly routine interrupted multiple times, and now, with Boris Johnson’s interview taking precedence, there’s a sense that their patience is being tested. As one fan pointed out, “EastEnders has been shifted around too many times this year, and it’s starting to feel like we’re being forgotten about.”

For the BBC, balancing the demands of current affairs programming with entertainment shows like *EastEnders* is nothing new, but in 2024, it seems the soap has taken the brunt of the disruptions. While it’s understandable that major news events and interviews with political figures need to be accommodated, fans are asking why this couldn’t be done without affecting their favorite show.

The upcoming Boris Johnson interview is expected to draw a significant audience, as the former Prime Minister is a controversial figure whose political career and personal life have made headlines in recent years. Laura Kuenssberg’s interview will likely delve into his time in office, his role in Brexit, and the ongoing political landscape, making it a must-watch for many viewers. However, for *EastEnders* fans, it feels like yet another instance where their show is being pushed aside to make room for something else.

Despite the frustration, there is some light at the end of the tunnel for *EastEnders* devotees. The 40th-anniversary celebrations promise to bring the show back into the spotlight in a big way. With the live, interactive episode and the possibility of major storylines unfolding, fans have a lot to look forward to. However, for now, they’re left feeling disappointed and sidelined as their Thursday night tradition is once again disrupted.

As the outcry continues on social media, it’s clear that *EastEnders* viewers won’t be quiet about their discontent. Many are calling on the BBC to reconsider how they handle programming changes in the future, ensuring that soaps like *EastEnders* aren’t repeatedly moved or delayed. After all, for a show that’s been a constant presence in British television for nearly 40 years, fans feel it deserves more respect and stability in the schedule.

In the meantime, *EastEnders* fans will have to wait an extra day for their next episode, with the promise of being able to catch it on iPlayer slightly earlier. But the real question remains: how much longer will fans tolerate these disruptions, and will the upcoming 40th-anniversary celebrations be enough to restore their faith in the show’s future?

As Boris Johnson prepares to take over *EastEnders*’ time slot next Thursday, fans are left hoping that the frequent schedule changes will soon come to an end, allowing them to enjoy their favorite soap uninterrupted once again.