EastEnders has confirmed there is a schedule change to its usual 6am episode upload on BBC iPlayer today (April 22).

This is due to a “history-making” change to the filming format of the BBC soap.

The release of Monday’s episode on BBC iPlayer which normally drops first thing in the morning has been delayed because real-life footage from the London Marathon on Sunday (April 17) will be edited into it.

Why isn’t EastEnders on BBC iPlayer this morning?

Today’s episode in Walford will feature Jay Brown (Jamie Borthwick) and Honey Mitchell (Emma Barton) who took on the iconic charity event in character, as part of the programme's brain tumour storyline.

Fans will know that last year, Lola Pearce-Brown (Danielle Harold) sadly died following her diagnosis with a glioblastoma multiforme – Jay and Honey have been preparing to take part in the London Marathon to honour her.

Posting on Instagram last night, EastEnders shared a picture of Jay and Honey holding their marathon medals with pride.

The caption said: “Emma Barton and Jamie Borthwick have just completed the London Marathon for an upcoming storyline that will see their characters, Honey and Jay, take on the event in memory of their beloved Lola.

“As well as running on behalf of their chosen charities, Emma and Jamie run parts in character to film various scenes along the route.

These scenes will be edited into the main show this evening and viewers will be able to watch the special scenes tomorrow (Monday 22nd April) from 1300 on BBC iPlayer and at 1930 on BBC One. @londonmarathon #LondonMarathon.”

Previously speaking about the storyline, Emma commented (according to The Mirror): "I think it’s a really clever idea that EastEnders have done to show what a lot of the people all over the country are doing. And that’s raising money for their charities or in memory of a loved one.

“As Honey and Jay are going to be running the London Marathon, we are going to be filmed live on the London Marathon day, which will then go into Monday April 22’s show at 7.30pm. This has never been done before in soap history."

When is EastEnders on TV today?

Monday’s episode of EastEnders will be uploaded and available to watch at 1pm on BBC iPlayer.

It will then air on BBC One from 7.30pm.

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Reacting to the BBC iPlayer schedule change, one viewer posted on Instagram: “Why do you keep messing around with the schedule?! It is part of my routine to watch it at 6:30am. I’m starting to get really tired of this show and it’s inconsistency.”

“Here I am, 06:15, with my coffee before my kids get up, and it’s not on iplayer,” added another.

This person wrote: “Give them a break! They filmed live footage of the marathon yesterday and had only overnight to edit and put together tonight’s show, usually they are 8 weeks in advance. I think it being ready at 1 - 24 hours after the event is bl***y great. They won’t do these special things if people keep moaning at them!”