Is EastEnders On Tonight? Your Complete UK Viewing Guide for December 2025

Understanding EastEnders’ Regular Schedule

For millions of UK viewers, the question ‘Is EastEnders on tonight?’ has become a familiar evening ritual. EastEnders is supposed to air from Monday to Thursday on BBC One at 7.30pm, with each episode also dropping that day at 6am on BBC iPlayer. This consistent schedule has made the long-running BBC soap opera a staple of British television viewing habits for four decades.

However, the soap sometimes has to move as other events take priority. Understanding these schedule variations is crucial for dedicated fans who don’t want to miss the latest drama from Albert Square.

December 2025 Viewing Schedule

As the festive season approaches, EastEnders has adjusted its usual programming pattern. This year, EastEnders will play out over five days from Monday, December 22, to Friday, December 26, including two episodes on Christmas Day, meaning that viewers will get six episodes in total. The Christmas Day episodes promise particularly dramatic storylines, with the first scheduled for 7.45pm and the second at 9.45pm.

For New Year celebrations, EastEnders will resume its normal schedule for the week commencing Monday, December 29 until Thursday, January 1. This ensures fans won’t miss any crucial storylines as 2025 transitions into 2026.

How to Watch EastEnders

Viewers have multiple options for catching up with Walford’s residents. The show also streams on BBC iPlayer, where most episodes drop early at 6am ahead of their TV broadcast. This early-morning release has become increasingly popular with fans who prefer to watch at their own convenience rather than waiting for the traditional evening broadcast.

The flexibility of BBC iPlayer means that even when schedule changes occur due to sporting events or special programming, dedicated viewers can maintain their EastEnders routine. For those wondering about tonight’s episode specifically, checking both BBC One’s schedule and BBC iPlayer ensures you won’t miss any of the ongoing storylines involving the Mitchells, Slaters, and other iconic Walford families.

Why Schedule Changes Matter

The importance of knowing when EastEnders airs cannot be understated for its devoted fanbase. With dramatic storylines currently unfolding and the show approaching major festive episodes, staying informed about schedule changes ensures viewers remain connected to one of British television’s most enduring institutions. Whether watching live on BBC One or streaming via iPlayer, tonight’s episode continues the legacy of a show that has captivated UK audiences since 1985.