iPlayer

EastEnders made an announcement just days ago confirming why Wednesday’s episode isn’t on iPlayer and what time fans can watch it on BBC One as Zoe Slater’s secret is revealed

In a twist to the usual proceedings, EastEnders will air on both BBC iPlayer and BBC One at 7:30pm on Wednesday and will not drop on iPlayer in the morning.

Normally the episode drops each morning on the streaming platform ahead of it airing that same evening on TV. But to preserve some big twists, bosses have made the decision not to release it on iPlayer so that everyone sees it that evening at the same time.

The decision was announced over the weekend, with it revealed the episode would see returning character Zoe Slater’s secrets finally exposed. Not only that, but Tuesday’s episode ended with a deadly cliffhanger as a gun was fired.

Fans will find out who was shot in Wednesday’s episode, after Jack Branning and Ravi Gulati accidentally fired the gun during a struggle. It’s set to be a huge episode as we also find out what has gone on in Zoe Slater’s life for the past 20 years.

READ MORE: Who gets shot in EastEnders? What is Zoe’s secret? Mystery as episode kept off iPlayerREAD MORE: EastEnders’ Sharon Watts’ ‘tragic return sealed’ after jaw-dropping cliffhanger

Zoe made her big comeback to Walford for the first time in two decades this week. Michelle Ryan reprised the role, and Zoe’s first scenes with mum Kat Moon, played by Jessie Wallace, aired across Monday and Tuesday.

Viewers praised this week’s episodes, and were left excited for what was to come. Soon, fans were sharing their theories about what would happen on Wednesday knowing there was a long wait until they knew the full details.

The BBC soap confirmed the episode would explore Zoe’s past, with her return sending “shockwaves through the Slaters and Walford”. EastEnders Executive Producer Ben Wadey teased “dramatic” scenes ahead, and said she had more than one secret.

He said: “As Zoe makes her dramatic return to Walford next week, more than one secret in her past will come to light as we look to explore the reasons behind her return, and what has happened in the past twenty years to make her the person she is today.”

It comes as fans feared over who would be shot in the episode, as other fans predicted Zoe’s secrets. Fans are convinced she is the mother of troubled teen Joel Marshall after some apparent hints in recent months.

Other fans think it will be revealed that she is married to Max Branning who is returning to the BBC soap. As for the shooting victim, fans have named Sharon Watts, Kat, Zoe, Howie Danes and Oscar as potential victims.

In a sad twist fans are also guessing Kat’s nan Mo Harris is the one who gets shot, and that she might be killed off in a tragedy. Fans will just have to tune in on Wednesday evening to find out.

EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. * Follow Mirror Celebs and TV on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .

The BBC’s new true crime series Cracking the Case delves into the minds of criminals and the evidence that led to their conviction

For all you true crime series fans the BBC’s latest offering, Cracking the Case, should be immediately bumped to the top of your must-watch list.

Cracking the Case features BBC News journalist Calum Leslie, who is delving into the ‘how and why’ behind some major crimes, with the assistance of two experts.

This riveting three-part series will captivate anyone intrigued by the workings of the criminal mind. In each episode, Calum and the experts aim to comprehend why different crimes were committed by exploring psychological insights. They’ll also probe police procedures, examining what justice signifies for every victim and their families.

Calum is backed by two criminal specialists, both with a wealth of experience in solving past cases. Rebecca Mason, a former police detective, will lend her 14 years of expertise in the force to provide valuable insight, reports the Express.

Rebecca is no novice when it comes to bringing criminals to justice, having secured the UK’s first ever romance fraud conviction. Her diligent work on the case was recognised by the presiding judge.

Dr Sohom Das, the second expert on the show, has a background as a forensic psychiatrist and expert witness. He has previously aided both victims and criminals during ongoing court proceedings, presenting his expert opinion to the courts.

His position in the courtroom environment has demanded considerable courage, with Dr Sohom having previously encountered some perilous offenders and observed the distressing accounts from victims who have been severely affected by their offences.

The official description states: “Every crime leaves a trail. Fingerprints, DNA, a move caught on camera. BBC News journalist Calum Leslie is joined by two experts – one who investigates how crimes are committed and one who digs into why.

“The team examines the evidence that led to convictions and put some of the UK’s most notorious criminals behind bars. Gaining access to information that usually remains sealed, Cracking the Case gives professional insights into the psychological profile behind the criminal act and walks the audience through how the perpetrators were caught.”

The overview continues: “At the heart of each episode lies a thorough exploration of the impact crime has on victims and their families – giving a voice to the people most profoundly impacted by terrible events by hearing directly from them.”

BBC Commissioning Editor Chris Achilleos further shared: “This new format from the BBC News Video on Demand team takes a serious look into how crimes, that have hit the headlines, have been solved.

“Using studio-based storytelling, with detailed graphic explainers, police interviews and evidence as well as compelling testimony from those impacted – we will take audiences through the process of how crimes are solved, step by step.”

The programme’s presenter, Calum Leslie also added: “BBC News is the home of trusted, impartial journalism and the work of our newsgathering teams across the country is what provides the journalistic rigour behind this series.

“We are there in court, hearing the evidence and witness testimony. We are with the people affected by these crimes, broadcasting their stories. Cracking the Case uses all of these resources to reveal how investigations take shape and the profound impact these crimes have on victims and communities.”

All three episodes will be available to stream on BBC iPlayer on 1 September.

The BBC has signed a broadcast deal with Boxxer which will mean world-class professional boxing returns to prime-time television and BBC iPlayer.

Over the next 12 months, the BBC will air fights from selected events on BBC Two or Three as well as on iPlayer and the BBC Sport website.

Boxxer currently houses some of the biggest talents in UK boxing including Olympic and world champion Lauren Price.

“Bringing professional boxing back to primetime BBC television, free-to-air, and to our extensive digital platforms is an exciting moment for us and hopefully for boxing fans,” said Alex Kay-Jelski, director of BBC Sport.

The first event is expected to happen by the end of the year, with dates and headliners to be announced in the coming weeks.

Boxxer, led by promoter Ben Shalom, staged an all-women’s card headlined by Price and Natasha Jonas in March as well as promoting Amir Khan v Kell Brook, Liam Smith v Chris Eubank Jr, Claressa Shields v Savannah Marshall and Fabio Wardley v Frazer Clarke in recent years.

“Partnering with the BBC to deliver big-time British boxing on Saturday night TV is a historic moment,” Shalom said.

“We’re proud to bring the most entertaining British fighters to the biggest possible audience.

“This huge platform will give our fights the exposure they deserve and helps us take the sport to huge new audiences.”

A must-watch romantic comedy has just landed on BBC iPlayer.

An Academy Award-winning period drama starring an unrecognisable A-lister is now streaming for free.

BBC iPlayer has just added Shakespeare in Love to its library, ready for theatre and romcom lovers to devour.

Released in 1998, the star-studded film features Oscar winners Gwyneth Paltrow, Colin Firth and Ben Affleck. It also stars Dame Judi Dench in a role that almost completely disguises the acclaimed actress.

For those who missed the hit romantic drama, it follows young playwright William Shakespeare (played by Joseph Fiennes) as he is battling writer’s block.

While looking for a new muse, William meets his ideal woman, Viola (Paltrow), and is inspired to write one of his most famous plays, Romeo and Juliet.

Dame Dench plays Queen Elizabeth I, donning the hair, makeup and 16th century garments to fit the royal part. Despite being on screen for around eight minutes, Dench’s performance earned her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.

The drama’s accolades didn’t stop there, as Shakespeare in Love also took home the Best Picture prize, alongside the Best Costume; Best Original Music; Best Screenplay, and Best Art Direction awards. Paltrow also bagged the Best Leading Actress gong, which remains her only Oscar win to date.

Directed by John Madden, the period drama has an impressive 92% Rotten Tomatoes score. The critics’ consensus reads: “Endlessly witty, visually rapturous, and sweetly romantic, Shakespeare in Love is a delightful romantic comedy that succeeds on nearly every level.”

Casual moviegoers similarly rave about the nineties hit, with one viewer writing: “Incredibly heart-warming and wildly entertaining, this movie has something for everybody, and it is so much fun to watch. I definitely recommend it for romance and comedy fans!”

A second said: “I absolutely love this movie, it’s a timeless classic and an absolute must see. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll fall in love with the characters.

“It’s quoted almost daily in my household, and rightfully so! If you haven’t seen it already, I highly recommend this movie!”

Meanwhile, a third penned: “Simply put, this is a fun film that never lacks for comedy. Everyone in this film portrays their parts with elegance. And as if to top the entire film off, Dame Judi Dench plays a rather fantastically entertaining Queen Elizabeth I.”

Shakespeare in Love is streaming now on BBC iPlayer.