saying goodbye
EastEnders in HUGE shake up as soap boss quits and is replaced by one from rival channel
Chris was responsible for the return of a slew of iconic characters
EASTENDERS has been rocked by a huge shake-up as the soap's boss has quit the programme.
Chris Clenshaw has been the Executive Producer of the BBC soap opera since 2022 but will be stepping down in February next year - coinciding with the show's 40th anniversary.
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Fans of EastEnders have largely praised Chris for turning the once-ailing soap's fortunes around thanks to gritty plots, major character returns and the infamous The Six storyline that gripped the nation.
He will be replaced by Ben Wadley, who is moving to the BBC after a time spent working as the Commissioning Executive, overseeing Hollyoaks.
Reflecting on his decision to leave, Chris confirmed in a statement that it was always his intention to leave after hitting the 40th anniversary milestone.
He said: “As a proud EastEnders fan, it has been the honour of my life to be its custodian. It has meant everything to me, and I’ve given Walford my all.
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"I made the tough decision that I would step down after the 40th anniversary many months ago – to keep EastEnders creatively refreshed as it’s a show that needs to constantly evolve. After what will be three years at the helm and leading the team through its milestone celebrations, the time feels right that I hand over the keys to The Queen Vic.
"Elstree holds a special place in my heart, and I know when the day comes, it’ll be hard to tear myself away. My special thanks go to the sensational EastEnders cast and crew that I’m incredibly proud to have led over the past few years, and who have provided me with unwavering support.
"Their commitment, passion and talent has inspired me every day, and I am so grateful to them and proud of everything that we’ve achieved together.
"EastEnders has been the highlight of my career and I have loved every minute of it, but it’s time for change, and for a new chapter, and I’m delighted to be staying within BBC Studios Drama Productions. Although my departure from EastEnders is not for some time yet, whilst I’m still here, I look forward to putting all our efforts into our momentous anniversary."
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Ben's appointment to the show marks a full circle moment with the producer having previously worked on the soap opera before getting the top role.
He worked as the Story Editor for the soap five years ago and was at the centre of a special episode following Linda Carter and her alcoholism battle.
EastEnders fans ‘work out’ fan favourite will be killed off during 40th anniversary special after spotting series of clues
Ben also played a pivotal role in introducing the critically-acclaimed Panesar family and was responsible for crafting the formidable Suki.
Sharing his delight at being offered the soap's top gig, Ben said: “I’m thrilled to be returning to EastEnders at such an exciting time for the show.
"Having grown up watching and loving EastEnders, it sparked my passion for television, and I feel I’ve known the residents of Walford my entire life – so to lead this iconic BBC soap into its next chapter is a true privilege.
"I can't wait to collaborate with the exceptional team at EastEnders and build on Chris Clenshaw’s brilliant work to deliver unmissable stories to fans - both those who have been watching for years and those just discovering Albert Square.”
Although Chris will leave his day-to-day role in February next year, his work will still play out into the summer of 2025.
Chris received most praise for re-introducing a variety of stars including Michelle Collins as the presumed dead Cindy Beale, Jacqueline Jossa as Lauren Branning, Patsy Palmer as Bianca Jackson and Tracy-Ann Oberman as Chrissie Watts.
Soap characters who've been recast
Soap operas are staple viewing for many people, but even some of the most famous characters have been played by different actors. Here are some examples from over the years.
- Tracy Barlow: Kate Ford took on the role of Corrie legend Tracy Barlow in 2002. Before Kate, three other actresses had played Tracy - most notably Dawn Acton from 1988 to 1999.
- Nick Tilsley: Ben Price has been playing Gail's oldest child in 2009, but the former Footballers' Wives star is the third actor to take on the part.
- Sarah Platt: Although Tina O'Brien debuted as Sarah Platt in 1999, she is the third actress who has played the iconic role of Sarah Platt.
- David Platt: Completing the line-up of Gail's children, David was initially played by Thomas Ormson for a decade before Jack P. Shepherd took over.
- Daniel Osbourne: For almost a decade, the role of Ken Barlow's son Daniel has been portrayed by actor Rob Mallard. Before Rob joined, two other actors had previously played Daniel.
- Bethany Platt: Fans know Lucy Fallon as Bethany nowadays but before her, three other actresses had stepped into the character's shoes.
- Kirk Sutherland: Before Andy Whyment took on the role of Kirk, he played by an uncredited actor in his very first appearance.
- Todd Grimshaw: Gareth Pierce stepped into the role of Todd back in 2020, becoming the second performer to play this part.
- Summer Spellman: Harriet Bibby became the second actress to play Summer, taking over the role from Matilda Freeman in 2020.
- Ryan Connor: Ryan Prescott currently plays the long-running character, but Ben Thompson and Sol Heras had earlier portrayed the role.
- Martin Fowler: Although Martin was the first baby born on-screen in EastEnders, he hasn't always been played by the same person. His current portrayer, James Bye, is the third actor to star as the character.
- Peter Beale: Seven actors have portrayed Ian Beale's elder son, with the current actor, Thomas Law, in his second stint as the character.
- Ben Mitchell: Ben has been played by a total of six actors - with Max Bowden bowing out of the role in March 2024.
- Bobby Beale: Before Clay Milner Russell, Ian's younger son had been played by four other actors.
- Freddie Slater: Bobby's best mate, Freddie Slater, had been previously played by twins Alex and Tom Kilby before Bobby Brazier took over in 2022.
- Chelsea Fox: Former Coronation Street actress Zaraah Abrahams took over the role of Chelsea in 2020. The character had been first played by Tiana Benjamin from 2006 to 2010.
- Lauren Branning: Jacqueline Jossa took on the role of Lauren in 2010, succeeding Madeline Duggan who'd played her from 2006 to 2010.
- Johnny Carter: Johnny has been played by three actors since debuting in 2013 - most recently, Charlie Suff has taken on the role.
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