SOAP fans are fuming as Emmerdale and EastEnders go head-to-head as schedule shake-up starts this week.
The move – which starts from March 7 – will see ITV’s Emmerdale shift from its usual 7pm slot to 7.30pm.
This means that the countryside soap will clash directly with BBC One’s EastEnders – putting the two show’s in direct competition for four days a week, with Emmerdale airing an hour-long episode on Thursdays.
EastEnders will be will no longer air episodes on a Friday, with a “simplified schedule” that will see it air at 7.30pm on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
It will see uninterrupted hour-long episodes of Coronation Street on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 8pm.
EastEnders said the new schedules would kick off with what it called a “hugely exciting” week of plots that will include killer Gray Atkins finally being exposed.
However, some fans have voiced their discontentment over the decision and fear it could “kill off” EastEnders, which is currently in a ratings slump.
One asked, referring to Emmerdale’s ongoing storyline involving Meena Jutla: “How am I supposed to choose between you and Meenadale?”
Another posted: “This new schedule will kill of EastEnders, no one will tune in as they’ll be watching Emmdale.”
“Why change the times of Emmerdale? It clashes with EastEnders, I think most people will watch Emmerdale” a third commented.
A fourth posted: “I hate the new schedule, people will just skip one soap in favour of the other now…my bets are on EastEnders losing more viewers.”
Another tweeted: “You’re taking a risk clashing with Emmerdale, but I like it! The Wednesday episode will take getting used too 
.
Broadcasters used to go to great lengths to avoid their soaps clashing, but it is thought to be far less of an issue in the era of on-demand TV.
Kate Oates, BBC’s head of continuing drama, said: “We’re delighted that, from March 7, there will be new regular time slots for EastEnders.
“This new simplified schedule means it’s even easier for viewers to get their fix, as well as being able to watch whenever and wherever they choose on @bbciplayer.
“EastEnders‘ new 7.30pm slot begins with a hugely exciting week, as killer Gray Atkins is finally exposed.”
