Eastenders
EastEnders Chief Resigns After Three Years, Describes Role as ‘Honor of a Lifetime’ as Successor is Announced
Executive producer Chris Clenshaw of EastEnders has revealed that he will be leaving the show next year, calling it “the honour of his life” with great passion. When the BBC soap opera celebrates its 40th anniversary in February 2025, the 37-year-old TV executive will resign from his position, and a well-known figure will take over
Executive producer Chris Clenshaw of EastEnders has revealed that he will be leaving the show next year, calling it “the honour of his life” with great passion.
When the BBC soap opera celebrates its 40th anniversary in February 2025, the 37-year-old TV executive will resign from his position, and a well-known figure will take over.
Ben Wadey, who was the Commissioning Executive for Hollyoaks and several other original dramas at Channel 4, will be making a comeback to EastEnders.
Previously Ben worked on EastEnders as the Story Editor overseeing many stories including the celebrations for the 35th anniversary, as well as a special episode focussed on Linda Carter as she struggled with her alcoholism.
Chris on the other hand, returned to the soap taking on his Executive Producer role back in January 2022 and has since been credited with ‘turning EastEnders back into appointment viewing’ with ‘mind-blowing plot twists and devastating real-life storylines’.
EastEnders executive producer Chris Clenshaw has announced that he will be stepping down from his role next year, which he has emotionally dubbed ‘the honour of his life’
Ben Wadey will be returning to EastEnders from Channel 4 where he was Commissioning Executive overseeing Hollyoaks and a number of original dramas
During his second stint at EastEnders, Chris created many bold storylines and tackled big issues that will go down in EastEnders history, including the award-winning Loving & Losing Lola.
He was also responsible for The Six flashforward whodunit, and the return of Cindy Beale, while also producing unmissable episodes including The Platinum Jubilee with the then Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall, the 1979 Mitchell’s Flashback, Dot Cotton’s funeral, and Jay and Honey running The London Marathon.
He created the Knights; the first black and dual heritage family to run a pub on any UK soap, headed up by Colin Salmon, and has brought back fan favourites including Adam Woodyatt, Michelle Collins, Jacqueline Jossa, Shane Richie, Angela Wynter and Patsy Palmer.
Under Chris’ leadership, EastEnders has won numerous awards including Best Soap and Continuing Drama at this year’s Royal Television Society (RTS) Awards, as well as taking home seven awards at this year’s Radio Times Awards, and every public-nominated award at last year’s British Soap and National Television Awards.
Before Chris leaves Walford, he will oversee the hotly anticipated 40th anniversary, which is going live as part of its celebrations and, in a first for the soap, will include an interactive element where the viewers will have the power to decide the outcome of a storyline.
The TV boss has had a long career at EastEnders, from he beginning by working on the show in 2015 as a storyliner, before going on to script edit and story produce.
He left EastEnders in 2019 to produce continuing drama, Holby City, and left the BBC in 2020 to work in development at Vertigo Films and Rope Ladder Fiction, before returning in 2022 for three more years.
Chris will continue working for BBC Studios Drama Productions. Speaking of his decision to leave, 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.
During his second stint at EastEnders, Chris created many bold storylines including The Six flashforward whodunit
He tackled big issues that will go down in EastEnders history, including the award-winning Loving & Losing Lola
He produced unmissable episodes including The Platinum Jubilee with the then Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall
Under Chris’ leadership, EastEnders has won numerous awards (pictured with a BAFTA in 2019)
‘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.’
He continued: ‘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.’
Finally, he praised Ben Wadey by guipping: I’m pleased to be passing the show on to Ben Wadey. I’m confident that, under him, EastEnders will continue to thrive, and I wish him the very best as it is without doubt the best job in telly and I hope he enjoys the ride just as much as I have. Thank you, EastEnders – for everything.’
Chris said: ‘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’ (pictured in 2023)
During her previous time on EastEnders, Ben also played a pivotal role in the introduction of the Panesar family, fronted by the formidable matriarch Suki.
At Holby City, Ben served as Story Producer for the BAFTA-nominated final series. His final episodes featured the farewell to Holby legend Jac Naylor and the return of numerous beloved characters.
Speaking about his new role as Executive Producer, Ben Wadey 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.’
EastEnders character Avani Nandra-Hart, introduced as the secret daughter of Ravi Gulati, is about to be caught up in a major new storyline in upcoming episodes of the BBC soap.
EastEnders’ Aaliyah James made her debut as Avani Nandra-Hart in 2023 and is set to play a central role in a thrilling new storyline this week.
The newcomer, who portrays Ravi Gulati’s (Aaron Thiara) secret daughter, is about to find herself in serious trouble with the law in the upcoming episodes.
Avani’s day takes a dramatic turn when she skips school with Amy Mitchell (Ellie Dadd) and Lily Slater (Lillia Turner), only to cross paths with the shady Marvin, who’s carrying drugs.
When the police arrive, they find Marvin’s dropped stash of pills and take the girls to the station for questioning.
Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) and Jean Slater (Gillian Wright) rush to the station to pick up their children, but there’s no one available to answer Avani’s phone, reports Plymouth Live.
Things take a dark turn as the police demand a strip search to see if Avani is concealing any additional drugs.
Her family becomes frantic upon seeing Avani fall apart, and instead of returning to her father Ravi’s (Aaron Thiara) place, she runs off to the playground to take a drink of vodka.
Chaos erupts when Avani’s parents realize she’s gone missing, and they’re shocked to discover her unconscious in the playground.
Off-screen, actress Aaliyah, who is actually 24, has had some fun with the age gap between herself and her character. She joked on Instagram: “Guys… I’m now 15… I mean 24 years old.”
Aaliyah, landing her first significant acting role, has joined the esteemed cast of EastEnders. Prior to this breakthrough, she had a small role as a train passenger in the 2022 BBC One crime drama Inside Man, which featured notable stars such as David Tennant, Dolly Wells, and Stanley Tucci.
Aaliyah shared her appreciation for the role, stating, “Being given this chance as my official screen debut is truly a blessing.”
She also expressed how welcomed she felt, saying, “The support from the cast and crew has made me feel at home, and I’m so grateful to already be a part of the EastEnders family.”
Excited to embrace her new role, she added, “I’m eager to bring Avani to life and explore her journey in Walford, and I look forward to seeing what the future holds for me.”
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The Mariposa Ball and Awards isn’t just a glamorous evening; it also supports a cause with significant meaning, according to OK!
The charity behind the event, Mariposa International, was founded by Andy Clark-Coates and his wife Zoe Clark-Coates MBE, providing support to families affected by baby loss. This elegant ball brings together celebrities and supporters in a show of solidarity and remembrance for those who have endured the heartbreaking loss of a child during pregnancy, at birth, or in infancy.
Emotional conversations surrounding baby loss and infertility took center stage as hosts Briony May Williams from The Great British Bake Off and Sky Sports anchor James Green guided the evening at the gala. A particularly moving moment came from Laila herself, who opened up about her personal experience with baby loss, which deeply resonated with those in attendance.
“If you can give time and money to causes you believe in, it creates a support system for those who need it,” the former EastEnders star shared with us.
Laila shared her personal tragedy – the loss of her newborn niece, her brother’s little girl, just a week after she was born – a heartbreaking event that has profoundly shaped her understanding of the importance of charity events. “It can feel very lonely. But tonight is about reminding people that they’re not alone,” she explained.
For this east London creative, who had the privilege of presenting the Employer of the Year award, supporting loved ones in times of sorrow means offering help in any way you can.
“When my niece passed away, I was at the hospital every day. Emotional and practical support is key – cooking or cleaning, so they have a clean home to come back to. A week after my niece died, I went with my brother to return all the things he had bought, like prams, cots, and sterilisers. It was so sad.”
At 53, Laila also addressed breaking the silence around baby loss and infertility. “The more we talk about it, the more normal it becomes – because it is normal. I have friends who have had babies through surrogacy, IVF, and adoption. We need to discuss all of it so that people feel supported in their journey.”
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Eastenders
EastEnders actors shocked after finding out they’re secretly related after meeting on set
EastEnders fans were shocked to learn that Jay Brown actor Jamie Borthwick is actually related to a former co-star – and it turns out neither of them were aware of it.
EastEnders fans were astonished to find out that Jamie Borthwick, who plays Jay Brown, is actually related to another cast member – a revelation that was new to Jamie as well.
Jamie rose to fame with his role as Jay on the BBC One soap, making his debut in 2006. It wasn’t long before he became one of the show’s most beloved and iconic characters.
His character has been involved in many significant storylines, ranging from shocking affairs and struggles with substance abuse to covering up a murder and uncovering the truth about his past. Jay’s time in Walford has been full of intense drama.
More recently, Jay has been grappling with the heartbreaking loss of his wife, Lola (Danielle Harold), who tragically passed away from a brain tumour in 2023.
Off-screen, fans were shocked to learn that Jamie has a family connection with a fellow co-star. What made it even more surprising was that Jamie himself wasn’t aware of this relationship, according to Plymouth Live.
In 2021, Jamie shared that he only discovered he was related to co-star Charlie Winter after Charlie joined the EastEnders cast.
He recalled: “My great uncle is named Charlie Winter, so when I heard there was a character coming in called Charlie Winter, I thought, ‘No way!’” Jamie then did some research and confirmed his intuition was spot on. He shared: “It turns out we’re second cousins.”
Charlie joined EastEnders in 2018, portraying Mel Owen’s (Tamzin Outhwaite) son, Hunter. However, his character was written out the following year after a storyline where he shot Ben Mitchell (Max Bowden) in the Queen Vic.
One shocked fan commented on an EastEnders Facebook page after learning Jamie and Charlie are related: “I would never have guessed they were related, to be honest.”
Another fan expressed their surprise, saying: “No way, I remember the other guy from EastEnders.” A third added with some admiration, “That’s pretty cool, to be fair.”
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