EastEnders to go five nights?

The BBC is considering plans to introduce a fifth weekly episode of EastEnders in the Summer, according to a report in the Sunday People today.

The move comes as it continues its strong dominance over ITV1 rival Coronation Street, and follows the introduction of a fourth episode just five months ago.

An insider told the newspaper: "EastEnders is on a high at the moment with the Phil Mitchell and Lisa baby plot. The public can't get enough of it and the bosses want to take advantage of that."

A fifth episode would not go down well with cast members, however, who complained at the introduction of the fourth. They currently film five episodes per week, which would be upped to seven if the plans are approved.

The insider added: "The news has not gone well at all with the cast. They work very long hours, often six days a week."

A BBC spokesman denied the reports, but would not rule out the possibility of the episode, which would be broadcast on Wednesdays.