‘What a waste’ rant furious EastEnders fans after schedule shake-up moves soap’s festive episode

EASTENDERS fans are up in arms after a television schedule shake-up has seen the explosive Christmas episode moved from its usual spot.

The hotly-anticipated whodunnit murder episode will screen on BBC One at 9.45pm on Christmas Day.

While it won't be challenged in the drama stakes by its rivals Emmerdale and Coronation Street - both of which are running regular 30 minute episodes - the timing of the Enders hour-long special has infuriated even the most die-hard fans.

One fumed on X: "9.45pm is just ridiculous though the biggest storyline that’s been building all year most people will have given up for the day by that time, they need to lose something in that packed schedule and put EastEnders on earlier."

Another raged: "Possibly the biggest EastEnders Christmas in over a decade and the BBC shift it to almost 10pm?? Awful schedule all round to be honest."

Others were outraged that, for the first time in nearly two decades, there won't be a Christmas Eve episode.

One person said: "Slightly surprised there's no Christmas Eve episode - it's nearly 20 years since that last happened - but I don't think Corrie or Emmerdale are on that day either."

This week the soap officially ruled out two characters as victims of the grisly Christmas Day murder.

Sharon Watts, Kathy Beale, Stacey Slater, Denise Fox, Linda Carter and Suki Panesar make up the six women who will find themselves implicated in the murder of one Albert Square male.

While speculation has been rife throughout the year as to who could perish, we now know for sure that two residents are safe after spoilers for the show revealed they will feature in the New Year episode.

Both Felix Baker and Denzel Danes will not be victims as they gear up for new 2024 storylines.

This is unlikely to be a shock to fans given that they are more minor characters who have little to no interaction with the members of The Six.

As a teenager, Denzel has had a few stories throughout the year invovling his relationship with Amy Mitchell and his dealings with Denise and Jack Branning but with that largely settled, it seemed unlikely that he could be the victim.

Equally, Felix has largely remained a background character but has been there to support friends in times of need.