Xmas Battle Over Soaps

The Christmas Day Schedule has turned into a battleground between ITV and BBC1 over the screening of Coronation Street and Eastenders. ITV moved its hour – long episode of Coronation Street from its previous slot at 7pm to 6:30pm, putting it in direct competition with the first of two editions of Eastenders on BBC1.

It is reported that Alan Yentob, BBC1’s controller, spoke with Marcus Plantin, ITV Network Director to persuade him out of the switch before admitting defeat and in turn re-scheduling Eastenders, “in the best interests of viewers”. Eastenders, which initially was to be broadcast at 6:45pm will now go out at 7.30pm and 8:30pm.