7 reasons why ailing EastEnders risks the axe – from big name departures to ‘Covid protocols’ & gong drought
thesun.co.ukEASTENDERS was once the most-watched soap on TV, with families gathering around the telly eager to watch the outcome after the previous night's "doof doof" cliffhanger ending.
But the future of the ailing BBC soap looks uncertain after a major TV schedule shake-up. ITV has all but declared war on the southern soap by announcing Coronation Street and Emmerdale will now air later in the evenings - clashing with their Walford rival.
ITV’s head of continuing drama John Whiston said: “With Coronation Street bursting at the seams with fantastic story and character, the new format gives the show a brilliant new canvas on which to shine. “And Emmerdale will do what it does best in this new time slot where viewers can continue to enjoy the dramatic goings-on in the Dales.” It’s yet another blow for EastEnders, which recently lost two of its biggest names in Adam Woodyatt - who played Ian Beale - and Mick Carter actor Danny Dyer.
Ratings are also on the decline, plunging to just 2million viewers at various points last year - a far cry from the 30million who tuned in to see “Dirty” Den hand divorce papers to Angie in the show’s mid-Eighties heyday.
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