‘Bosses are keen to stop the slide’: EastEnders will ‘move to 30-minute slots in a bid to halt ratings slump’ after pandemic disrupted production
EastEnders bosses are ‘planning to move the soap back to 30-minute episodes’ in a bid to stop ratings falling.
The BBC has been showing four shows per week, running at less than half an hour, as social distancing rules mean it takes longer to film.
On Monday, the first 30-minute episode of the Walford-based serial will air, with channel executives hoping uniform scheduling will keep fans interested.
Making changes: EastEnders bosses are reportedly planning to move the soap back to 30-minute episodes in a bid to stop ratings falling (Danny Dyer pictured on the soap)
A source told The Sun: ‘Bosses are keen to stop the slide. Ideally, fans would get uniformity and regularity rather than guessing when it is on and for how long.’
In comparison, Coronation Street airs on ITV up to six times a week, with the channel’s adverts filling out each 30-minutes show. The BBC is free of advertisements.
BBC’s drama chief Piers Wenger admitted the shorter shows have affected the soap’s viewing figures.
Difficulties: The BBC has been showing four shows per week, running at less than half an hour, as social distancing rules mean it takes longer to film (Charlie Brooks pictured this month)
He said: ‘It being scheduled off-junction and not being the full half-hour has impacted its audience.
‘But we are very focused on getting the show back into its usual slot and duration.’
However, many viewers are watching after the initial air slot, with fans catching up on BBC iPlayer.
While Piers confirmed bosses wanted longer episodes, he said: ‘It’s not going to happen overnight.’
An EastEnders spokesperson told the MailOnline that ‘there are no plans for EastEnders to air five times a week’.
EastEnders continues tomorrow on BBC One at 8pm.
A source told The Sun : ‘Bosses are keen to stop the slide. Ideally, fans would get uniformity and regularity rather than guessing when it is on and for how long.’
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