Why isn't EastEnders on tonight? When will it next be on?

Sharon has found a new place to live in EastEnders

EastEnders scheduling has been turned upside down this week. Find out why.

EastEnders fans will have to wait a little longer for their next dose of their favourite soap after tonight's episode is cancelled.

Instead of the usual Friday night episode airing, BBC One will be home to Comic Relief tonight as Red Nose Day 2021 gets underway.

Kim gets the Vic ready for Sharon's party in EastEnders — EastEnders isn't on tonight, but don't worry because normal scheduling resumes next week (Picture: BBC)

Instead this week's episodes of EastEnders have been shown earlier in the week, with Tuesday night seeing a double bill.

If you have missed any of this week's four episodes, you can catch up on BBC iPlayer.

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Comic Relief - all you need to know

Tonight will see Sir Lenny Henry and Davina McCall just two of the famous faces presenting a live Comic Relief from 7pm on BBC One.

As with past years, the biennial event promises to bring some much-needed laughs to the nation.

There will be a mix of comedy sketches, musical performances and moving films to help raise money for an excellent cause.

TV tonight Comic Relief — Comic Relief 2021 is on BBC One tonight (Picture: BBC) (Image credit: BBC/Comic Relief/Claire Harrison/Nicky Johnston)

Some of the highlights include Normal People Vs Fleabag, Comic Relief does Cinderella and special episodes of Vicar of Dibley and Staged, too.

EastEnders latest

Last night's episode of EastEnders saw Lucas Johnson leave the soap after taking the blame for Chelsea's drug run drama.

He handed himself into the police earlier this week in a bid to protect his daughter, despite knowing it would mean him spending the foreseeable behind bars.

Lucas Johnson in EastEnders — Lucas Johnson left EastEnders last night (Picture: BBC) (Image credit: BBC/Kieron McCarron/Jack Barnes)

He is now locked up with Chelsea's drugs boss Caleb and his gang, and last night Chelsea was shocked to see her dad had been brutally attacked in prison.

Desperate for Chelsea to get her life back on track, Lucas told her not to visit.

The pair finally made amends before actor Don Gilet bowed out of the soap once again as Lucas.

Also last night Jack and Denise started to plan their wedding, while Ash finally discovered the fate of her career.

Next week EastEnders will air Monday at 8.05pm, Tuesday and Thursday at 7.35pm and Friday at 8.30pm on BBC One.

Comic Relief is on tonight at 7pm on BBC One - see our TV Guide for full listings.

Claire is Assistant Managing Editor at What To Watch and has been a journalist for over 15 years, writing about everything from soaps and TV to beauty, entertainment, and even the Royal Family. After starting her career at a soap magazine, she ended up staying for 13 years, and over that time she’s pulled pints in the Rovers Return, sung karaoke in the Emmerdale village hall, taken a stroll around Albert Square, and visited Summer Bay Surf Club in sunny Australia.

After learning some tricks of the trade at websites Digital Spy, Entertainment Daily, and Woman & Home, Claire landed a role at What’s On TV and whattowatch.com writing about all things TV and film, with a particular love for Aussie soaps, Strictly Come Dancing and Bake Off.

She’s interviewed everyone from June Brown — AKA Dot Cotton — to Michelle Keegan, swapped cooking tips with baking legend Mary Berry backstage at the NTAs, and danced the night away with soap stars at countless awards bashes. There’s not a lot she doesn’t know about soaps and TV and can be very handy when a soapy question comes up in a pub quiz!

As well as all things soap-related, Claire also loves running, spa breaks, days out with her kids, and getting lost in a good book.