EastEnders to release episodes early on iPlayer for second year

EastEnders is set to release episodes early on BBC iPlayer once again this summer, with weekly boxsets landing on the service from next week.

Starting from Monday (June 27), the BBC soap will drop all four of the episodes set to air in the week ahead on iPlayer at 6am every Monday morning, while the episodes will also continue to air in a traditional broadcast on BBC channels too.

The move comes as the BBC prepares for a busy summer of sport that will lead to scheduling changes for EastEnders, and follows on from last year's decision to release episodes early online during coverage of the Olympics and Euros 2020.

BBC

With the soap facing another summer of scheduling changes, including a move to BBC Two as BBC One airs its Wimbledon coverage from next week, releasing episodes early as a weekly boxset once again gives audiences the opportunity to watch the latest slice of Walford drama whenever and wherever it suits them.

It's gearing up to be a busy summer of soap in Albert Square too with the Mitchells taking centre stage in a dramatic storyline when Phil makes a lethal enemy in prison. Sam Mitchell is also settling back nicely into the Square, but her true intentions will become known this summer, leading to some big consequences...

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Meanwhile, Ben Mitchell continues to struggle in the wake of his attack and, despite receiving support from Kathy, it's not long before his behaviour begins to spiral out of control.

BBC

Elsewhere on the Square, Mitch Baker is in for a shock when his estranged brother Avery arrives with his two sons Finlay and Felix, and Mitch quickly realises that Avery is keeping a big secret from him.

The Panesar family are also set to face a troubling time ahead as their loyalty is tested to the limits.

With tensions simmering, lots of explosive secrets at play and families reaching their breaking point, there's no chance of a quiet summer in Albert Square this year.

BBC

"With such a big summer of sport ahead, box setting all four episodes again this year feels like the perfect solution to enable EastEnders viewers to choose when and where they want to get their weekly fix from Albert Square," executive producer Chris Clenshaw said in a statement.

"We have a big summer ahead so this is the perfect way to ensure that no one has to miss out."

EastEnders' weekly boxsets launch on Monday, June 27 and will continue weekly until mid-August, with the final weekly boxset dropping on Monday, August 15.

EastEnders airs on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7.30pm on BBC One and streams on BBC iPlayer. Weekly boxsets will be available on BBC iPlayer every Monday.