EastEnders fans call for soap shake-up as new boss arrives
EASTENDERS fans have been left calling for a soap shake-up after it was revealed the programme would be getting a new boss.
Yesterday it was confirmed that long-standing producer Chris Clenshaw would be stepping down from the show after the soap hits its 40th anniversary milestone next February.
He will be replaced by Ben Wadley, who is moving to the BBC after a time spent working as the Commissioning Executive, overseeing Hollyoaks.
The changes at EastEnders have already led to soap superfans sharing their demands for Ben in order to give the soap a shake-up as it comes into its new era.
Among many of people’s wishes is a bid for the show to go on an axing spree and offload some of the “dead wood” that fans say are ruining the show’s quality.
Many EastEnders fans have called for the axing of Felix Baker and Callum Highway after insisting they bring nothing to the soap and simply act as background and filler characters with no true storyline of their own.
Other characters that fans felt had run their course included Bernie Taylor and Freddie Slater.
Writing online, one fan said: “Get rid of the dead wood characters and characters who just have no point anymore like Felix , Reiss , Callum , Bernie and Freddie.”
Another echoed the sentiment on Felix, penning: “It’s really weird how they’ve done absolutely nothing with Felix but kept him around.”
Elsewhere, another fan demanded the introduction of more Mitchell women to inject life into the soap.
Characters including Peggy, Ronnie and Roxy Mitchell have all departed the cast leaving a huge hole to be filled.
They said: “I think we need some new Mitchell women to join the new brothers. We are lacking Mitchell women since the loss of Ronnie , Roxy , Peggy , Sam and Glenda.
“Some characters returns id love to see Shirley being the obvious and Sam also i think she deserves a long stint.”
Fans were left surprised when it was revealed that Chris would be stepping down after he was largely praised for turning the fortunes of the show around.
He has been praised for his gritty plots, major character returns and the infamous The Six storyline that gripped the nation.
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.
“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.”
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.