BBC Doctors will not air as usual this week. The popular daytime soap has been removed from the schedule and replaced with Animal Park Heroes.
The medical drama is a weekday afternoon staple and usually airs at 1:45pm on BBC One from Monday through to Thursday. However, that won't be the case this week.
It comes after two episodes were pulled off air last week following the devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria. BBC Doctors confirmed the schedule change on social media on Wednesday, February 8, telling viewers: "In light of news in Turkey and Syria, today's billed episode of Doctors will be replaced with Animal Park Heroes."
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The cancelled episode was due to show an explosion during a medical conference, with Mill staff caught up in the devastation. The instalment was called "Hell is Empty" and the synopsis read: "There are multiple casualties when an explosion rips through a medical conference, but what caused it and which of the Mill staff are caught up in the carnage?"
Meanwhile, the episode set to air on Thursday, February 9 was due to cover the aftermath of the explosion. However, that was replaced with a different stand-alone instalment entitled The Leaving Party.
In a fresh update, the BBC has told Wales Online the series will remain off air until next week, returning on Monday, February 20 in its usual slot. The show is currently expected to pick up where it left off.
A BBC spokesperson said: "In light of events in Turkey and Syria, Doctors will not be on air this week and will resume programming on 20th February." For more showbiz and television stories get our newsletter here.
The first 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck the region in southern Turkey and north-west Syria on Monday, February 6 with the death toll now risen to more than 35,000. The Welsh Government has committed a six-figure sum to help the earthquake victims in both countries. You can read more about the Welsh rescuers who have travelled to the region, here.
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