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EastEnders - Executive Producer
Chris Clenshaw has made the decision to step down as Executive Producer of EastEnders in February 2025 once the soap has celebrated its 40th anniversary.
Chris returned to EastEnders taking on the role as Executive Producer 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” to bring audiences a show that is “full of ambition and entertainment.”
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 Clenshaw 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.
Clenshaw has had a long career at EastEnders; he began 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 to EastEnders in January 2022 as Executive Producer.
Speaking of his decision to leave, Chris Clenshaw 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.
"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.”
Ben Wadey will be returning to EastEnders from Channel 4 where he was Commissioning Executive overseeing Hollyoaks and a number of original dramas. 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. 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.”
26 September 2024
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