EastEnders spoilers follow. Latest update: August 14.
EastEnders has been off our screens for the past couple of months, after the BBC soap ran out of new episodes to air due to the coronavirus pandemic.
But when is it back and what will happen when it is? Let us fill you in...
What to Read Next
When did EastEnders run out of episodes and go off air?
EastEnders went off air on Tuesday, June 16. As we all know, EastEnders – along with the rest of UK soaps and productions – were forced to halt filming in mid March amid the coronavirus pandemic, and has been running on a reduced schedule ever since.
While airing episodes twice weekly managed to keep EastEnders on air for longer that it would have been, we approached the end of the line in June, with new content running out later that month.
The show cleverly left us on a major cliffhanger, which saw Sharon Watts unveiled as the new owner of The Queen Vic.
EastEnders: Secrets of the Square - What is it?
Fans shouldn't worry too much as bosses have come up with a creative way to ensure you are still getting your weekly EastEnders fix.
EastEnders: Secrets of the Square will be premiering on Monday, June 22, offering viewers an exciting opportunity to get a sneak peek into life behind the scenes. Hosted by Stacey Dooley, the new series will feature two different cast members each week, who will be sitting down with Stacey to look back on their time on the show and teasing what to come when EastEnders returns.
Albert Square legends Letitia Dean, Adam Woodyatt, Diane Parish, Tameka Empson, Danny Dyer and Kellie Bright have been among those featuring in the new series, where discuss the juiciest dramas to hit Walford and telling stories from behind-the-scenes.
That's not all, though. On Tuesday evenings, fans can continue to reminisce, with a selection of iconic episodes airing each week. This has so far included the memorable two-hander between Den and Angie, Sharongate, the explosive reveal of Max and Stacey's affair – and many more.
If that's not enough then daily repeats of EastEnders continue to air on the Drama channel every weekday at 1pm and then again at 1.40pm. Having started from the very beginning (a very good place to start...) earlier last year, the episode re-runs are in the early '90s at this current time. So get watching and/or recording, sit back and enjoy.
Alternatively, Amazon also has a selection of iconic episodes you can download, such as memorable character exit episodes and a range of Christmas specials.
BBC iPlayer is also a saving grace in the current climate, allowing you to watch or rewatch all current episodes from the past year.
When will EastEnders be back on TV again?
It's now been officially confirmed that EastEnders will return on Monday, September 7. From then on, the show will be airing four nights a week at the slightly shorter length of twenty minutes.
The BBC soap resumed filming at the end of June and Digital Spy understands that the show works on a turnaround time of approximately six to eight weeks from filming to transmission.
However, filming with the new safety rules and regulations is likely to take longer, with the number of people allowed on set at any one time drastically reduced upon their return. Make up artists will also not be applying make-up directly onto the cast, but guiding them instead.
Speaking about the return of EastEnders, Executive Producer Jon Sen said: “From the moment we turned the lights out in The Queen Vic our ambition was to come back with a bang and this autumn certainly does that.
"As soon as Albert Square reawakens the drama returns at a pace and, although working within social distancing guidelines has certainly given us some new challenges, I am incredibly proud of what everyone has achieved. The show is looking fantastic and we can’t wait for 'series two' to begin…"
EastEnders - will the time difference be addressed?
EastEnders will indeed be addressing the time difference when it returns to screens next month, as the Walford residents emerge from lockdown like the rest of the UK.
The three-month jump means that EastEnders can resume its correlating timeline with the real world, which is just as well given that we will be on the homestraight towards Christmas very soon.
Scripts and storylines are being altered to reflect the time in between production halting in March when it eventually picks back up again, and while COVID-19 will be referenced, it is not expected to be a major focus of storylines.
EastEnders spoilers - what's coming up?
It's been a long summer without it, but EastEnders bosses have now released a handful of teasers previewing the autumn months.
Like the rest of the UK, the Walford residents have been adjusting to a new way of life in the three months away from screens, with the show exploring the aftermath of lockdown when it comes back.
Sharon Watts, Ian Beale, Ruby Allen, Denise Fox, Gray and Chantelle, and Mick and Linda among those taking centre stage over the coming months. Brand new spoilers have revealed that Sharon could be in for a shock when Dotty decides to tell her the truth, while the Carters' will have their marriage tested once again when a huge secret causes a new rift in their relationship,
Viewers will also see that past few months have also proved especially difficult for Chantelle, with EastEnders exploring the topical issue of domestic abuse in lockdown..
Also ahead in Walford, Ruby is loved up with Martin but will be rocked when money begins mysteriously disappearing from her bank account. Things then get even more complicated for her when Stacey returns to Walford after a year away.
EastEnders has also teased more trouble on the way for popular couple Ben and Callum. As Callum gets stuck into his job in the police force, he, unsurprisingly, finds himself torn between the loyalties in his personal and professional life. What will this mean for Ballum?
Meanwhile, Denise is set to take centre stage in one of the biggest stories of the autumn, when a shocking accident has life-changing consequences for her and one other character. Watch this space for more information over the coming weeks!
EastEnders continues on Monday, June 8 at 8pm on BBC One.
Digital Spy now has a newsletter –sign up to get it sent straight to your inbox.
Read more EastEnders spoilers on our dedicated homepage
One of Them: From Albert Square to Parliament Square by Michael Cashman
Want up-to-the-minute soaps news, spoilers and gossip on your social feeds? Just hit 'Like' on our Digital Spy Soaps Facebook page and 'Follow' on our @soapscoop Twitter account.
