BBC to upload EastEnders episodes directly to iPlayer during the European football Championships

There was a time when football tournaments played havoc with TV schedules and soap addicts in particular were left hanging while a match was screened instead.

But now we live in a digital age – and the makers of EastEnders are exploiting the technology so fans can still get their regular fix.

For the duration of the European Championships next month, a whole week of episodes will be posted on iPlayer every Monday, giving viewers a choice between streaming the soap like a box-set drama or tuning in on BBC One when it hasn’t been moved for evening games. 

Streaming episodes: For the duration of the European Championships next month, a whole week of EastEnders episodes will be posted on iPlayer every Monday

The Euros start on June 11, with the final on July 11.

Jon Sen, executive producer of EastEnders, said: ‘Giving viewers the ability to decide when they drop in on all things Albert Square is something we’re excited about. 

‘Box-setting all four episodes will ensure everyone gets their dose of drama and football fans won’t miss out. We hope BBC iPlayer keeps viewers content.’

Every Monday at 6am from June 14 all four EastEnders episodes for the week will be available on iPlayer.

No missing out! This will give viewers a choice between streaming the soap like a box-set drama or tuning in on BBC One when it hasn¿t been moved for evening games

No missing out! This will give viewers a choice between streaming the soap like a box-set drama or tuning in on BBC One when it hasn’t been moved for evening games

Recently in the show, the plot saw Chelsea Fox (played by Zaraah Abrahams) embark on a plan to prove Dwayne’s true colours. 

Convinced that her auntie Kim (played by Tameka Empson) is being deceived by her new man, Chelsea intended to use her meet-up with him at Ruby’s club as a way to prove her theory. 

It comes after Chelsea pulled Kim aside to reveal that she already knew Dwayne, because he’d previously dated one of her friends.

Chelsea claimed that the prior relationship ended in disaster when her friend discovered out that Dwayne was in fact dating four other women at the same time. 

Giving people a choice: Jon Sen, executive producer of EastEnders, said: ¿Giving viewers the ability to decide when they drop in on all things Albert Square is something we¿re excited about'

Giving people a choice: Jon Sen, executive producer of EastEnders, said: ‘Giving viewers the ability to decide when they drop in on all things Albert Square is something we’re excited about’

Kim dismissed Chelsea’s warning about her new love interest, insisting to her niece that Dwayne was head over heels for her.

Chelsea may have more difficulty in getting her family to believe her after she repeatedly lied to her mother Denise (Diane Parish).

She did so only recently, as part of a plot to get her dad Lucas (Don Gilet) to take the rap in a drug plot.

It comes after EastEnders confirmed it’s set to explore a dark female genital mutilation storyline involving character Mila Marwa (Ruhtxjiaïh Bèllènéa) and her younger sister Kioni (Florisa Kamara).

new ways to watch: Every Monday at 6am from June 14 all four EastEnders episodes for the week will be available on iPlayer

new ways to watch: Every Monday at 6am from June 14 all four EastEnders episodes for the week will be available on iPlayer

Tuesday’s episode of the BBC soap saw Mila fearing her sister was to be taken away to be ‘cut’ as she confided in Kathy Beale that she had went through the ordeal herself.

Watching the episode unfold, EastEnders fans were left stunned as it dawned on them the fate that awaits Kioni, with viewers praising the soap for tackling the issue of female genital mutilation (FGM).

Female genital mutilation (FGM) is the ritual cutting or removal of some or all of the exterior female genitalia for non-medical reasons.

Upcoming plot: It comes after EastEnders confirmed it's set to explore a dark female genital mutilation storyline involving character Mila Marwa and her younger sister Kioni

Upcoming plot: It comes after EastEnders confirmed it’s set to explore a dark female genital mutilation storyline involving character Mila Marwa and her younger sister Kioni

During Monday’s episode, Mila was surprised after her sibling rocked up in Walford and after a catch-up in the cafe, she soon learned that Kioni was due to head off on ‘holiday’ with their mum in two weeks time.

Kioni told her sister: ‘We’re going away in a couple of weeks, just me and mum, a holiday down the coast. Mum’s taking me to see an auntie I’ve never met before.’

The following episode then saw a worried Mila begging Kathy to let her sister stay at her home for a few days as she feared what fate awaited Kioni.

With Kathy demanding to know why she was so worried about her sibling, an emotional Mila began: ‘She’s being taken away to…’

Struggling to form the words, she added: ‘She’s the age now… to be cut. You’d call it FGM. [I know] because it’s exactly what happened to me.’

Fears: Tuesday's episode of the BBC soap saw Mila (Ruhtxjiaïh Bèllènéa) fearing her sister (Florisa Kamara, pictured) was to be taken away to be 'cut'

Fears: Tuesday’s episode of the BBC soap saw Mila (Ruhtxjiaïh Bèllènéa) fearing her sister (Florisa Kamara, pictured) was to be taken away to be ‘cut’