September 26th 2024.
After three incredible years at the helm of EastEnders, Executive Producer Chris Clenshaw has announced that he will be stepping down from his position next year. Chris has played a pivotal role in bringing the BBC One soap back to its former glory, and his departure comes shortly after the show's 40th anniversary in February 2025.
Taking over the reins as Executive Producer will be Ben Wadey, who currently serves as Commissioning Editor at Channel 4. During his time as Executive Producer, Chris has overseen numerous critically-acclaimed storylines and tackled important issues that have solidified EastEnders' place in television history. From the award-winning 'Loving & Losing Lola' story to the thrilling saga of The Six, which began with a flashforward whodunit, Chris has left a lasting impact on the show.
One of his many accomplishments was bringing back fan-favorite characters, such as Cindy Beale after a 25-year hiatus. Her return has been a highlight, with Cindy feeling just as much a part of Walford now as she did in the 80s and 90s. Chris also spearheaded unforgettable episodes, including The Platinum Jubilee special, the 1979 Mitchell's Flashback, Dot Cotton's funeral, and Jay and Honey's London Marathon adventure.
Now, it's time for Ben Wadey to take the helm as Executive Producer of EastEnders. During his previous stint on the show as Story Editor, Ben oversaw the 35th anniversary celebrations and a special episode centered around Linda Carter's struggle with alcoholism. He also played a crucial role in introducing the Panesar family, led by the formidable matriarch Suki. Ben's impressive track record also includes work on popular shows like Hollyoaks and Holby City.
Speaking about his new role, Ben expresses his excitement to return to EastEnders during such a pivotal time for the show. Having grown up watching and loving it, he feels a deep connection to the residents of Albert Square and is honored to lead the iconic soap into its next chapter.
As Chris prepares to say goodbye to Walford, he reflects on his time as Executive Producer with immense pride. He thanks the talented cast and crew for their unwavering support and dedication, which has inspired him every day. Chris is grateful for the opportunity to work on a show that has been the highlight of his career, and while he looks forward to his next role within BBC Studios Drama Productions, he will undoubtedly miss EastEnders dearly.
Lindsay Salt, Director of Drama at the BBC, praises Chris for his vision and creativity, which have been felt by everyone on the show and in the audience since his return to Walford. She also shares her excitement for Chris to lead the show through its 40th anniversary, which promises to be another iconic moment for EastEnders. Lindsay welcomes Ben Wadey to the team, confident that his passion for the show will continue to drive its success.
Kate Oates, Head of Drama Productions at BBC Studios, also shares her admiration for Chris and his ability to balance his love for the show with modern storytelling. She is thrilled to be working with him on the upcoming 40th anniversary and is confident that Ben Wadey is the perfect successor to continue EastEnders' success.
Finally, the community is invited to leave a comment and join the conversation about all things soaps on the homepage. And for those with a soap or TV story to share, the team can be reached via email. EastEnders may be losing a great leader in Chris Clenshaw, but with Ben Wadey at the helm, the show's future looks brighter than ever.
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