Editing EastEnders (section)

== History ==
=== Conception and preparations for broadcast ===
In March 1983, under two years before ''EastEnders''{{'}} first episode was broadcast, the show was a vague idea in the mind of a handful of BBC executives, who decided that what [[BBC One]] needed was a popular twice-weekly drama series that would attract the kind of mass audiences that ITV were getting with ''[[Coronation Street]]''.<ref name="20years p10">{{Harvnb|Smith|2005|p=10}}</ref> The first people to whom David Reid, then head of series and serials, turned were [[Julia Smith (producer)|Julia Smith]] and [[Tony Holland]], a well established producer/script editor team who had first worked together on ''[[Z-Cars]]''.<ref name="20years p10" /> The outline that Reid presented was vague: two episodes a week, 52 weeks a year.<ref name="20years p11">{{Harvnb|Smith|2005|p=11}}</ref> After the concept was put to them on 14 March 1983, Smith and Holland then went about putting their ideas down on paper; they decided it would be set in the East End of London.<ref name="20years p10" /> It was decided after a report indicated that a show focusing on a working-class London neighbourhood would have the most widespread appeal.<ref name="Made" /> [[Granada Television]] gave Smith unrestricted access to the ''Coronation Street'' production for a month so that she could get a sense of how a continuing drama was produced.<ref>{{cite web|format=podcast |url=http://ax.itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/daily-bacon/id292077536 |title=Daily Bacon: Coronation Street |publisher=BBC Radio 5Live |author=Richard Bacon, host |date=17 November 2010 |access-date=6 January 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120303052823/http://ax.itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/daily-bacon/id292077536 |archive-date=3 March 2012 }}</ref> The show initially had the working title ''East 8'' and was, at first, to be set in a real street in [[Hackney, London]].<ref name="Made" />

Several cities were considered for the show's setting, including [[Manchester]] and [[Birmingham]], before ultimately choosing London.<ref name="Made">{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cwyjvre95gzo |title=How EastEnders was made, from 'doof doofs' to Angie and Den |first1=Samuel |last1=Spencer |first2=Shola |last2=Lee |date=16 February 2025 |access-date=16 February 2025 |website=BBC News |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250216171800/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cwyjvre95gzo |archive-date=16 February 2025 }}</ref> There was anxiety at first that the viewing public would not accept a new soap set in the south of England, though research commissioned by lead figures in the BBC revealed that southerners would accept a northern soap, northerners would accept a southern soap and those from the [[Midlands]], as Julia Smith herself pointed out, did not mind where it was set as long as it was somewhere else.<ref name="20years p11" /> This was the beginning of a close and continuing association between ''EastEnders'' and audience research, which, though commonplace today, was something of a revolution in practice.<ref name="20years p11" />

The show's creators were both Londoners, but when they researched Victorian squares, they found massive changes in areas they thought they knew well; however, delving further into the East End of London, they found exactly what they had been searching for: a real East End spirit, an inward-looking quality, a distrust of strangers and authority figures, a sense of territory and community that the creators summed up as "Hurt one of us and you hurt us all".<ref name="20years p11" />

When developing ''EastEnders'', both Smith and Holland looked at influential models like ''Coronation Street'', but they found that it offered a rather outdated and nostalgic view of working-class life. Only after ''EastEnders'' began, and featured the characters of [[Tony Carpenter]] and [[Kelvin Carpenter]], did ''Coronation Street'' start to feature black characters, for example.<ref>"[https://web.archive.org/web/20030828144110/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/arts/main.jhtml?xml=%2Farts%2F2001%2F02%2F03%2Fbfpa03.xml Hole at the heart of the BBC]", ''The Telegraph''. Retrieved 25 February 2007</ref> They came to the conclusion that ''Coronation Street'' had grown old with its audience, and that ''EastEnders'' would have to attract a younger, more socially extensive audience, ensuring that it had the longevity to retain it for many years thereafter.<ref name="20years">{{Harvnb|Smith|2005|p=<!-- Page numbers needed -->}}</ref> They also looked at ''[[Brookside (TV series)|Brookside]]'', but found there was a lack of central meeting points for the characters, making it difficult for the writers to intertwine different storylines, so ''EastEnders'' was set in [[Albert Square]].<ref name="Public secrets page 15">{{Harvnb|Buckingham|1987|p=15}}</ref>

A previous UK soap set in an East End market was [[Associated Television|ATV]]'s ''[[Market in Honey Lane]]''; however, between 1967 and 1969, this show, which graduated from one showing a week to two in three separate series (the latter series being shown in different time slots across the ITV network) was very different in style and approach from ''EastEnders''. The [[British Film Institute]] described ''Market in Honey Lane'' thus: "It was not an earth-shaking programme, and certainly not pioneering in any revolutionary ideas in technique and production, but simply proposed itself to the casual viewer as a mildly pleasant affair."<ref>{{cite web|title=Market on Honey Lane / Honey Lane (1967–69)|url=http://www.screenonline.org.uk/tv/id/1400806/index.html|publisher=[[British Film Institute]]|access-date=28 May 2014}}</ref>

The target launch date was originally January 1985.<ref name="Insidestory p24">{{Harvnb|Smith|Holland|1987|p=24}}</ref> Smith and Holland had 11 months in which to write, cast and shoot the whole thing; however, in February 1984, they did not even have a title or a place to film. Both Smith and Holland were unhappy about the January 1985 launch date, favouring November or even September 1984 when seasonal audiences would be higher, but the BBC stayed firm, and Smith and Holland had to concede that, with the massive task of getting the Elstree studios operational, January was the most realistic date; however, this was later to be changed to February.<ref name="Insidestory p24" />

The project had a number of working titles: ''Square Dance'', ''Round the Square'', ''Round the Houses'', ''London Pride'' and ''East 8''.<ref name="eehistory">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/eastenders/backstage/crew/qa/qa_content/qa_0005.shtml|title= What is the history of ''EastEnders''?|work=BBC Online|access-date=13 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060219122918/http://www.bbc.co.uk/eastenders/backstage/crew/qa/qa_content/qa_0005.shtml|archive-date=19 February 2006}}</ref> It was the latter that stuck (E8 is the postcode for Hackney) in the early months of creative process; however, the show was renamed after many casting agents mistakenly thought the show was to be called ''Estate'', and the fictional postcode E20 was created, instead of using E8.<ref name="20years p15">{{Harvnb|Smith|2005|p=15}}</ref> Julia Smith came up with the name ''Eastenders'' after she and Holland had spent months telephoning theatrical agents and asking "Do you have any real East Enders on your books?" Smith thought "''Eastenders''" "looked ugly written down" and was "hard to say", so decided to capitalise the second "e".<ref name="20years p15" />

==== Initial character creation and casting ====

After they decided on the filming location of [[BBC Elstree Centre]] in south [[Hertfordshire]], Smith and Holland set about creating the 23 characters needed, in just 14 days.<ref name="Insidestory p164">{{Harvnb|Smith|Holland|1987|p=164}}</ref> They took a holiday in Playa de los Pocillos, [[Lanzarote]], and started to devise the characters.<ref name="Insidestory p48">{{Harvnb|Smith|Holland|1987|p=48}}</ref><ref name="Made" /> Holland created the [[Beale family|Beale and Fowler family]], drawing on his own background. His mother, Ethel Holland, was one of four sisters raised in Walthamstow. Her eldest sister, Lou, had married a man named Albert Beale and had two children, named Peter and Pauline.<ref name="Insidestory p49">{{Harvnb|Smith|Holland|1987|p=49}}</ref> These family members were the basis for [[Lou Beale]], [[Pete Beale]] and [[Pauline Fowler]]. Holland also created Pauline's unemployed husband [[Arthur Fowler]], their children [[Mark Fowler|Mark]] and [[Michelle Fowler|Michelle]], Pete's wife [[Kathy Beale|Kathy]] and their son [[Ian Beale|Ian]].<ref name="Insidestory p51-56" /> Smith used her personal memories of East End residents she met when researching Victorian squares.<ref name="Insidestory p15">{{Harvnb|Smith|Holland|1987|p=15}}</ref> [[Ethel Skinner]] was based on an old woman she met in a pub, with ill-fitting false teeth, and a "face to rival a neon sign", holding a [[Yorkshire Terrier]] in one hand and a pint of [[Guinness]] in the other.<ref name="Insidestory p52">{{Harvnb|Smith|Holland|1987|p=52}}</ref>

Other characters created included Jewish doctor [[Harold Legg]], the Anglo-Cypriot Osman family ([[Ali Osman|Ali]], [[Sue Osman|Sue]] and baby [[Hassan Osman|Hassan]]), black father and son [[Tony Carpenter|Tony]] and [[Kelvin Carpenter]], single mother [[Mary Smith (EastEnders)|Mary Smith]] and Bangladeshi couple [[Saeed Jeffery|Saeed]] and [[Naima Jeffery]]. Jack, Pearl and Tracey Watts were created to bring "flash, trash, and melodrama" to the Square (they were later renamed [[Den Watts|Den]], [[Angie Watts|Angie]] and [[Sharon Watts|Sharon]]). The characters of [[Andy O'Brien (EastEnders)|Andy O'Brien]] and [[Debbie Wilkins]] were created to show a modern couple with outwardly mobile pretensions, and [[Lofty Holloway]] to show an outsider; someone who did not fit in with other residents. It was decided that he would be a former soldier, as Holland's personal experiences of ex-soldiers were that they had trouble fitting into society after being in the army. When they compared the characters they had created, Smith and Holland realised they had created a cross-section of East End residents. The Beale and Fowler family represented the old families of the East End, who had always been there. The Osmans, Jefferys and Carpenters represented the more modern diverse ethnic community of the East End. Debbie, Andy and Mary represented more modern-day individuals.<ref name="20years" />

Once they had decided on their 23 characters, they returned to London for a meeting with the BBC. Everyone agreed that ''EastEnders'' would be tough, violent on occasion, funny and sharp—set in [[Margaret Thatcher]]'s Britain—and it would start with a bang (namely the death of [[Reg Cox]]). They decided that none of their existing characters were wicked enough to have killed Reg, so a 24th character, [[Nick Cotton]] was added to the line-up. He was a racist thug, who often tried to lead other young characters astray.<ref name="20years p20">{{Harvnb|Smith|2005|p=20}}</ref> When all the characters had been created, Smith and Holland set about casting the actors, which also involved the input of lead director [[Matthew Robinson (producer)|Matthew Robinson]], who supervised auditions with the other directors at the outset, Vivienne Cozens and Peter Edwards.<ref>{{cite web | url= https://www.whattowatch.com/eastenders-main/eastenders-news/eastenders-adam-woodyatt-as-long-as-im-still-enjoying-it-ill-stay-for-another-30-73442 | title= EastEnders' Adam Woodyatt: 'As long as I'm still enjoying it I'll stay for another 30 years' | work=[[What's on TV]] | first=Alison | last=Gardner | date= 10 February 2015 | access-date=6 July 2020}}</ref>

==== Final preparations ====

Through the next few months, the set was growing rapidly at Elstree, and a composer and designer had been commissioned to create the title sequence. [[Simon May]] wrote the [[EastEnders theme tune|theme music]]<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/eastenders/backstage/crew/qa/qa_content/qa_0008.shtml|title=Who wrote the thee tune?|work=BBC Online|access-date=29 October 2006|archive-date=30 August 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060830045714/http://www.bbc.co.uk/eastenders/backstage/crew/qa/qa_content/qa_0008.shtml|url-status=dead}}</ref> and Alan Jeapes created the visuals.<ref name="Insidestory p97">{{Harvnb|Smith|Holland|1987|p=97}}</ref> The visual images were taken from an aircraft flying over the East End of London at 1000 feet. Approximately 800 photographs were taken and pieced together to create one big image.<ref name="Opening credits" /> The credits were later updated when the [[Millennium Dome]] was built.<ref name="Opening credits">{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/eastenders/backstage/crew/qa/qa_content/qa_0001.shtml|title=How did you get the view of London used on the opening credits?|website=EastEnders|publisher=BBC Online|access-date=13 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060831031758/http://www.bbc.co.uk/eastenders/backstage/crew/qa/qa_content/qa_0001.shtml|archive-date=31 August 2006}}</ref>

The launch was delayed until February 1985<ref name="Insidestory p154">{{Harvnb|Smith|Holland|1987|p=154}}</ref> due to a delay in the chat show ''[[Wogan]]'', that was to be a part of the major revamp in BBC1's schedules. Smith was uneasy about the late start as ''EastEnders'' no longer had the winter months to build up a loyal following before the summer ratings lull. The press were invited to Elstree to meet the cast and see the lot, and stories immediately started circulating about the show, about a rivalry with [[ITV (TV network)|ITV]] (which was launching its own market-based soap, ''[[Albion Market]]'') and about the private lives of the cast.<ref name="20years page 17">{{Harvnb|Smith|2005|p=17}}</ref> Anticipation and rumour grew in equal measure until the first transmission at 7{{nbsp}}p.m. on 19 February 1985.<ref name="20years page 17" /> Neither Holland nor Smith could watch; they both instead returned to the place where it all began, Albertine's Wine Bar on Wood Lane.<ref name="20years page 17" /> The next day, viewing figures were confirmed at 17{{nbsp}}million.<ref name="20years page 17" /> The reviews were largely favourable,<ref name="20years page 17" /> although, after three weeks on air, BBC1's early evening share had returned to the pre-''EastEnders'' figure of seven million, though ''EastEnders'' then climbed to highs of up to 23{{nbsp}}million later on in the year.<ref name="Rating 1986">{{harvnb|Slide|1996|p=35}}</ref> Following the launch, both group discussions and telephone surveys were conducted to test audience reaction to early episodes.

=== 1980s broadcast history ===
Press coverage of ''EastEnders'', which was already intense, went into overdrive once the show was broadcast. With public interest so high, the media began investigating the private lives of the show's popular stars. Within days, a scandalous headline appeared – "EASTENDERS STAR IS A KILLER". This referred to [[Leslie Grantham]], and his prison sentence for the murder of a taxi driver in an attempted robbery nearly 20 years earlier. This shocking tell-all style set the tone for relations between [[Albert Square]] and the press for the next 20 years.

The show's first episode attracted some 17{{nbsp}}million viewers, and it continued to attract high viewing figures from then on.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2010/feb/08/eastenders-bbc-25-years | location=London | work=The Guardian | first=Dan | last=Sabbagh | title=Is EastEnders the lifeblood of the BBC? | date=8 February 2010}}</ref> By Christmas 1985, the tabloids could not get enough of the soap. "Exclusives" about ''EastEnders'' storylines and the actors on the show became a staple of tabloid buyers' daily reading.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2015/feb/15/30-years-eastenders-plots-characters-moments|title=EastEnders: 30 years of booze, fights and faaaamily|work=[[The Guardian]]|first1=Hannah|first2=Stuart|first3=Michael|last1=Verdier|last2=Jeffries|last3=Hogan|date=15 February 2015}}</ref>

In 1987, the show featured the first same-sex kiss on a British soap, when [[Colin Russell (EastEnders)|Colin Russell]] ([[Michael Cashman]]) kissed boyfriend [[Barry Clark (EastEnders)|Barry Clark]] ([[Gary Hailes]]) on the forehead. This was followed, in January 1989, <!--less than a year after [[Section 28|legislation came into effect in the UK, prohibiting the "promotion of homosexuality" by local authorities]] --> by the [[List of LGBT characters in soap operas#EastEnders|first on-the-mouth gay kiss in a British soap]] when Colin kissed a new character, [[Guido Smith]] (Nicholas Donovan), in an episode that was watched by 17 million people.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Memorable LGBTQ moments in EastEnders history|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhybydm|access-date=18 February 2022|website=BBC Bitesize|language=en-GB}}</ref>

Writer [[Colin Brake]] suggested that 1989 was a year of big change for ''EastEnders'', both behind the cameras and in front of them. Original production designer Keith Harris left the show, and Holland and Smith both decided that the time had come to move on too, their final contribution coinciding with the exit of one of ''EastEnders''' most successful characters, Den Watts (Leslie Grantham).<ref name="first10years" /> Producer [[Mike Gibbon]] was given the task of running the show, and he enlisted the most experienced writers to take over the storylining of the programme, including Charlie Humphreys, Jane Hollowood and [[Tony McHale]].<ref name="First10Years p70" />

According to Brake, the departure of two of the soap's most popular characters, Den and Angie Watts ([[Anita Dobson]]), left a void in the programme, which needed to be filled.<ref name="first10years" /> In addition, several other long-running characters left the show that year, including Sue and Ali Osman ([[Sandy Ratcliff]] and [[Nejdet Salih]]) and their family; [[Donna Ludlow]] ([[Matilda Ziegler]]); [[Carmel Jackson]] ([[Judith Jacob]]) and Colin Russell (Michael Cashman). Brake indicated that the production team decided that 1989 was to be a year of change in Walford, commenting, "it was almost as if Walford itself was making a fresh start".<ref name="First10Years p75-76">{{Harvnb|Brake|1995|pp=75–76}}</ref>

By the end of 1989, ''EastEnders'' had acquired a new executive producer, [[Michael Ferguson (director)|Michael Ferguson]], who had previously been a successful producer on [[ITV (TV network)|ITV]]'s ''[[The Bill]]''. Brake suggested that Ferguson was responsible for bringing in a new sense of vitality and creating a programme that was more in touch with the real world than it had been over the previous year.<ref name="First10Years p70" />

=== Changes in the 1990s ===
A new era began in 1990, with the introduction of [[Phil Mitchell]] ([[Steve McFadden]]) and [[Grant Mitchell (EastEnders)|Grant Mitchell]] ([[Ross Kemp]])—the Mitchell brothers—successful characters who would go on to dominate the soap thereafter.<ref name="First10Years p91">{{Harvnb|Brake|1995|p=91}}</ref> As the new production team cleared the way for new characters and a new direction, all of the characters introduced under Gibbon were axed from the show at the start of the year.<ref name="First10Years p90">{{Harvnb|Brake|1995|p=90}}</ref> Ferguson introduced other characters and was responsible for storylines including HIV, Alzheimer's disease and murder. After a successful revamp of the soap, Ferguson decided to leave ''EastEnders'' in July 1991.<ref name="First10Years p100">{{Harvnb|Brake|1995|p=100}}</ref> Ferguson was succeeded by both [[Leonard Lewis]] and [[Helen Greaves]], who initially shared the role as executive producer.<ref name="First10Years p104">{{Harvnb|Brake|1995|p=104}}</ref> Lewis and Greaves formulated a new regime for ''EastEnders'', giving the writers of the serial more authority in storyline progression, with the script department providing "guidance rather than prescriptive episode storylines".<ref name="first10years" /> By the end of 1992, Greaves had left, and Lewis became executive and series producer.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://catalogue.bbc.co.uk/catalogue/infax/programme/LDSC832L |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120709155217/http://catalogue.bbc.co.uk/catalogue/infax/programme/LDSC832L |url-status=dead |archive-date=9 July 2012 |title=EASTENDERS: 11 February 1993 |publisher=catalogue.bbc.co.uk |access-date=27 September 2007 }}</ref> He left ''EastEnders'' in 1994 after the BBC controllers demanded an extra episode a week, taking its weekly airtime from 60 to 90 minutes.<ref name="guardian">{{cite news|url= http://arts.guardian.co.uk/news/obituary/0,,1683678,00.html |title= Leonard Lewis|newspaper=[[The Guardian]] | author = Alan Plater | date = 11 January 2006| access-date=1 October 2007 | location=London}}</ref> Lewis felt that producing an hour of "reasonable quality drama" a week was the maximum that any broadcasting system could generate without loss of integrity.<ref name="guardian" /> Having set up the transition to the new schedule, the first trio of episodes—dubbed [[#Setting|The Vic]] siege—marked Lewis's departure from the programme.<ref name="First10Years p129">{{Harvnb|Brake|1995|p=129}}</ref> [[Barbara Emile]] then became the executive producer of ''EastEnders'',<ref>"[https://archive.today/20120708085230/http://catalogue.bbc.co.uk/catalogue/infax/programme/LDSE135S EASTENDERS]", BBC. Retrieved 11 November 2007.</ref><ref>"[http://www.wgazette.com/sum00-yorkepaul.html John Yorke – The New EE Boss] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303212842/http://wgazette.com/sum00-yorkepaul.html |date=3 March 2016 }}", Walford Gazette. Retrieved 11 November 2007.</ref> remaining with ''EastEnders'' until early 1995. She was succeeded by [[Corinne Hollingworth]].

Hollingworth's contributions to the soap were awarded in 1997 when ''EastEnders'' won the [[British Academy Television Award|BAFTA]] for Best Drama Series. Hollingworth shared the award with the next executive producer, [[Jane Harris (producer)|Jane Harris]].<ref name="baf">"[https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0391158/awards IMDb awards]", IMDb. Retrieved 6 May 2007.</ref> Harris was responsible for the critically panned [[EastEnders episodes in Ireland|Ireland episodes]] and [[Cindy Beale]]'s ([[Michelle Collins]]) attempted assassination of [[Ian Beale]] ([[Adam Woodyatt]]), which brought in an audience of 23 million in 1996, roughly four million more than ''Coronation Street''.<ref name="family">"[http://news.independent.co.uk/media/article264624.ece It's got murder, a stalker, incest (kind of), and bulimia. What more]{{dead link|date=August 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}", [[The Independent]]. Retrieved 6 May 2007.</ref><ref>"[https://www.questia.com/read/1G1-61058550 WHAT A LOAD OF PORK PIES; Ireland's full of drunkards, dimwits and donkeys according to EastEnders]{{Dead link|date=August 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}", ''The Mirror''. Retrieved 18 July 2007.</ref> In 1998 [[Matthew Robinson (producer)|Matthew Robinson]] was appointed as the executive producer of ''EastEnders''. During his reign, ''EastEnders'' won the [[British Academy Television Award|BAFTA]] for "[[British Academy Television Award for Best Soap and Continuing Drama|Best Soap]]" in consecutive years 1999 and 2000 and many other awards. Robinson also earned tabloid soubriquet "Axeman of Albert Square" after sacking a large number of characters in one hit, and several more thereafter. In their place, Robinson introduced new long-running characters including [[Melanie Healy]] ([[Tamzin Outhwaite]]), [[Jamie Mitchell]] ([[Jack Ryder (actor)|Jack Ryder]]), [[Lisa Fowler|Lisa Shaw]] ([[Lucy Benjamin]]), [[Steve Owen (EastEnders)|Steve Owen]] ([[Martin Kemp]]) and [[Billy Mitchell (EastEnders)|Billy Mitchell]] ([[Perry Fenwick]]).

=== 2000s ===
[[John Yorke (television producer)|John Yorke]] became the executive producer of ''EastEnders'' in 2000. Yorke was given the task of introducing the soap's fourth weekly episode. He axed the majority of the Di Marco family, except [[Beppe di Marco]] ([[Michael Greco (actor)|Michael Greco]]), and helped introduce popular characters such as the [[Slater family (EastEnders)|Slater family]]. As what [[Mal Young]] described as "two of ''EastEnders''' most successful years", Yorke was responsible for highly rated storylines such as "[[Who Shot Phil?]]", [[Ethel Skinner]]'s ([[Gretchen Franklin]]) death, [[Jim Branning]] ([[John Bardon]]) and [[Dot Cotton]]'s ([[June Brown]]) marriage, [[Trevor Morgan (EastEnders)|Trevor Morgan]]'s ([[Alex Ferns]]) domestic abuse of his wife [[Little Mo Morgan]] ([[Kacey Ainsworth]]), and [[Kat Slater]]'s ([[Jessie Wallace]]) revelation to her daughter [[Zoe Slater]] ([[Michelle Ryan]]) that she was her mother.

In 2002, [[Louise Berridge]] succeeded Yorke as the executive producer. During her time at ''EastEnders'', Berridge introduced popular characters such as [[Alfie Moon]] ([[Shane Richie]]), [[Dennis Rickman]] ([[Nigel Harman]]),<ref name="Berridge exit">{{cite web|title=Louise Berridge steps down as Executive Producer of EastEnders|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2004/09_september/21/berridge.shtml|publisher=[[BBC]]|access-date=1 May 2017|date=21 September 2004}}</ref> [[Chrissie Watts]] ([[Tracy-Ann Oberman]]), [[Jane Beale]] ([[Laurie Brett]]), [[Stacey Slater]] ([[Lacey Turner]])<ref name="Louise Berridge Interview">{{cite web|title=Ellie caught up with the former Executive Producer to talk EastEnders and find out what Louise has got up to since leaving the show|url=http://walfordweb.com/blog/entry/3788441/635468/|publisher=walfordweb.com|access-date=28 May 2017|date=3 March 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170519090209/http://walfordweb.com/blog/entry/3788441/635468|archive-date=19 May 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> and the critically panned Indian [[Ferreira family]].<ref name="guard">{{cite news|url= https://www.theguardian.com/media/2004/sep/21/broadcasting.bbc|title= EastEnders chief steps down|newspaper=[[The Guardian]] | date = 21 September 2004| access-date=18 March 2008 | location=London | first=John | last=Plunkett}}</ref>

Berridge was responsible for some ratings success stories, such as Alfie and Kat Slater's (Jessie Wallace) relationship, [[Janine Butcher]] ([[Charlie Brooks]]) getting her comeuppance, Trevor Morgan (Alex Ferns) and [[Jamie Mitchell]]'s ([[Jack Ryder (actor)|Jack Ryder]]) death storylines and the return of one of the greatest soap icons, [[Den Watts]] ([[Leslie Grantham]]), who had been presumed dead for 14 years. His return in late 2003 was watched by over 16 million viewers, putting ''EastEnders'' back at number one in the rating war with ''Coronation Street''; however, other storylines, such as one about a kidney transplant involving the Ferreiras, were not well received,<ref name="guard" /> and although Den's return proved to be a ratings success, the British press branded the plot unrealistic and felt that it questioned the show's credibility.<ref>"[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/3151484.stm Sixteen million watch Den's return]", ''BBC''. Retrieved 26 September 2006.</ref><ref>"[https://web.archive.org/web/20071121214215/http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4156/is_20031005/ai_n12586279 "Dirty" Dirty Tactics; EastEnders defied belief by raising Den Watts]", ''Sunday Herald''. Retrieved 26 September 2006.</ref> A severe press backlash followed after Den's actor, Leslie Grantham, was outed in an internet sex scandal, which coincided with a swift decline in viewer ratings.<ref name="guard" /> The scandal led to Grantham's departure from the soap, but the occasion was used to mark the 20th anniversary of ''EastEnders'', with an episode showing Den's murder at the Queen Vic pub.

On 21 September 2004, Berridge quit as executive producer of ''EastEnders'' following continued criticism of the show. [[Kathleen Hutchison]] was swiftly appointed in her place, and was tasked with quickly turning the fortunes of the soap. During her time at the soap Hutchison axed multiple characters and reportedly ordered the rewriting of numerous scripts. Newspapers reported on employee dissatisfaction with Hutchison's tenure at ''EastEnders''.<ref>{{Cite news| url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/article508117.ece | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110918110436/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/article508117.ece | url-status=dead | archive-date=18 September 2011 | work=The Times | location=London | title=Stop the Week Shock exchange Last orders at the Vic | date=30 January 2005 | access-date=4 May 2010 | first1=Graham | last1=Hutson | first2=Mal | last2=Siret}}</ref> In January 2005, Hutchison left the soap and John Yorke (who by this time, was the BBC controller of continuing drama series) took total control of the show himself and became acting executive producer for a short period, before appointing [[Kate Harwood]] to the role.<ref>{{cite web|title=BBC appoints new Executive Producer for EastEnders|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2005/02_february/24/harwood.shtml|publisher=[[BBC]]|access-date=5 May 2017|date=24 February 2005}}</ref> Harwood stayed at ''EastEnders'' for 20 months before being promoted by the BBC. The highly anticipated return of [[Ross Kemp]] as [[Grant Mitchell (EastEnders)|Grant Mitchell]] in October 2005 proved to be a sudden major ratings success, with the first two episodes consolidating to ratings of 13.21 to 13.34 million viewers.<ref name="pressofficereturn">"[https://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2005/05_may/22/kemp.shtml Ross Kemp signs to EastEnders]", ''BBC''. URL last accessed on 24 February 2007.</ref><ref>"[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/tv_and_radio/4390380.stm Kemp's EastEnders return extended]", ''BBC''. URL last accessed on 24 February 2007.</ref> On Friday 11 November 2005, ''EastEnders'' was the first British drama to feature a two-minute silence.<ref>"[https://www.bbc.co.uk/eastenders/eastenders/episodes/episode_content/episode20051111.shtml Alfie accepts Nana's fate] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106021016/http://www.bbc.co.uk/eastenders/eastenders/episodes/episode_content/episode20051111.shtml |date=6 November 2012 }}" Retrieved 24 September 2006</ref> This episode later went on to win [[British Soap Award]] for "Best Single Episode".<ref>"[http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/article/ds21077.html British Soap Awards 2005 – The Winners] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060204072926/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/article/ds21077.html |date=4 February 2006 }}" Retrieved 24 September 2006</ref> In October 2006, [[Diederick Santer]] took over as executive producer. He introduced several characters to the show, including [[Minority group|ethnic minority]] and [[homosexual]] characters to make the show "feel more 21st century". Santer also reintroduced past and popular characters to the programme.

On 2 March 2007, BBC signed a deal with [[Google]] to put videos on [[YouTube]]. A behind the scenes video of ''EastEnders'', hosted by [[Matt Di Angelo]], who played [[Deano Wicks]] on the show, was put on the site the same day,<ref>"[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UVrzGOoQf5Q Behind The Scenes on EastEnders]", ''YouTube''. Retrieved 6 March 2007.</ref> and was followed by another on 6 March 2007.<ref>"[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RULI2afa_Rk&mode=related&search= BBC One – EastEnders – Down Memory Lane with Matt Di Angelo", ''YouTube''. Retrieved 2007-04-23.]</ref> In April 2007, ''EastEnders'' became available to view on [[mobile phone]]s, via [[3G]] technology, for [[3 (company)|3]], [[Vodafone UK|Vodafone]] and [[Orange UK|Orange]] customers.<ref>"[http://www.pocket-lint.co.uk/news/news.phtml/7202/8226/doctor-who-mobile-phone-bbc.phtml Doctor Who episodes coming to your mobile phone] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070408171903/http://www.pocket-lint.co.uk/news/news.phtml/7202/8226/doctor-who-mobile-phone-bbc.phtml |date=8 April 2007 }}", ''pocket-lint.co.uk''. Retrieved 30 March 2007.</ref> On 21 April 2007, the BBC launched a new advertising campaign using the slogan "There's more to ''EastEnders''".<ref>"[http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/a45679/eastenders-new-tv-promo.html "EastEnders" new TV promo] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070428044118/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/a45679/eastenders-new-tv-promo.html |date=28 April 2007 }}", ''Digital Spy''. Retrieved 29 April 2007.</ref> The first television advert showed Dot Branning with a refugee baby, [[Tomas Covalenco|Tomas]], whom she took in under the pretence of being her grandson.<ref>"[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hWAGZFQA_7I Eastenders – Dot's baby]", ''YouTube''. Retrieved 23 April 2007.</ref> The second and third featured Stacey Slater and Dawn Swann, respectively.<ref>"[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y00_LCq3MsI BBC One – EastEnders – Stacey's Trail]", ''YouTube''. Retrieved 29 April 2007.</ref><ref>"[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_XS7pHivvk Eastenders – Rob and Dawn]", ''YouTube''. Retrieved 29 April 2007.</ref> There have also been adverts in magazines and on radio.

In 2009, producers introduced a limit on the number of speaking parts in each episode due to budget cuts, with an average of 16 characters per episode. The decision was criticised by Martin McGrath of Equity, who said: "Trying to produce quality TV on the cheap is doomed to fail." The BBC responded by saying they had been working that way for some time and it had not affected the quality of the show.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s2/eastenders/news/a182543/eastenders-limit-episodes-to-16-actors.html|title='EastEnders' limit episodes to 16 actors|first=Catriona|last=wightman|website=[[Digital Spy]]|date=18 October 2009|access-date=21 October 2009|archive-date=21 October 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091021031318/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s2/eastenders/news/a182543/eastenders-limit-episodes-to-16-actors.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>

=== 2010s ===
From 4 February 2010, [[computer-generated imagery|CGI]] was used in the show for the first time, with the addition of computer-generated trains.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/eastenders/2010/02/get-your-anoraks-on-trains-are.shtml|title=Get your anoraks on... trains are coming!|work=[[BBC Online]]|date=3 February 2010|access-date=4 February 2010}}</ref>

{{anchor|25th anniversary}}''EastEnders'' celebrated its 25th anniversary on 19 February 2010. Santer came up with several plans to mark the occasion, including the show's first [[EastEnders Live|episode to be broadcast live]], the second wedding between [[Ricky Butcher]] ([[Sid Owen]]) and [[Bianca Jackson]] ([[Patsy Palmer]]) and the return of Bianca's relatives, mother [[Carol Jackson]] ([[Lindsey Coulson]]), and siblings [[Robbie Jackson]] ([[Dean Gaffney]]), [[Sonia Fowler]] ([[Natalie Cassidy]]) and [[Billie Jackson]] ([[Devon Anderson]]). He told entertainment website [[Digital Spy]], "It's really important that the feel of the week is active and exciting and not too reflective. There'll be those moments for some of our longer-serving characters that briefly reflect on themselves and how they've changed. The characters don't know that it's the 25th anniversary of anything, so it'd be absurd to contrive too many situations in which they're reflective on the past. The main engine of that week is great stories that'll get people talking."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s2/eastenders/scoop/a189597/eastenders-exec-teases-2010-storylines.html|title='EastEnders' exec teases 2010 storylines|website=[[Digital Spy]]|first=Kris|last=Green|date=17 December 2009|access-date=17 December 2009|archive-date=18 January 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100118071756/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s2/eastenders/scoop/a189597/eastenders-exec-teases-2010-storylines.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> The live episode featured the death of [[Bradley Branning]] ([[Charlie Clements]]) at the conclusion of the "[[Who Killed Archie?]]" storyline, which saw Bradley's wife [[Stacey Slater]] ([[Lacey Turner]]) reveal that she was the murderer. Viewing figures peaked at 16.6&nbsp;million, which was the highest viewed episode in seven years.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/8526006.stm|title=Live EastEnders watched by 16.6m|work=[[BBC News Online]]|date=20 February 2010|access-date=20 February 2010}}</ref> Other events to mark the anniversary were a spin-off DVD, ''EastEnders: Last Tango in Walford'', and an Internet spin-off, ''[[EastEnders: E20]]''.

[[File:Bryan Kirkwood.jpg|thumb|Bryan Kirkwood, executive producer (2010–2012)|alt=refer to caption]]
Santer officially left ''EastEnders'' in March 2010, and was replaced by [[Bryan Kirkwood]]. Kirkwood's first signing was the reintroduction of characters [[Alfie Moon]] ([[Shane Richie]]) and [[Kat Moon]] ([[Jessie Wallace]]),<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s2/eastenders/news/a202145/jessie-wallace-returns-to-eastenders.html|title=Jessie Wallace returns to 'EastEnders'|website=[[Digital Spy]]|date=9 February 2010|access-date=9 February 2010|first=Kris|last=Green|archive-date=10 February 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100210022633/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s2/eastenders/news/a202145/jessie-wallace-returns-to-eastenders.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> and his first new character was [[Vanessa Gold]], played by [[Zöe Lucker]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s2/eastenders/news/a209768/zoe-lucker-joins-eastenders.html|title=Zoe Lucker joins 'EastEnders'|last=Green|first=Kris|date=20 March 2010|website=[[Digital Spy]]|access-date=20 March 2010|archive-date=23 March 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100323082207/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s2/eastenders/news/a209768/zoe-lucker-joins-eastenders.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> In April and May 2010, Kirkwood axed eight characters from the show,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s2/eastenders/news/a214903/six-characters-to-leave-eastenders.html|title=Six characters to leave 'EastEnders'|last=Green|first=Kris|date=17 April 2010|website=[[Digital Spy]]|access-date=16 April 2010|archive-date=18 April 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100418210141/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s2/eastenders/news/a214903/six-characters-to-leave-eastenders.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s2/eastenders/news/a219224/leon-zsa-zsa-to-leave-eastenders.html|title=Exclusive: Leon, Zsa Zsa to leave 'EastEnders'|last=Green|first=Kris|date=11 May 2010|website=[[Digital Spy]]|access-date=10 May 2010|archive-date=14 May 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100514142428/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s2/eastenders/news/a219224/leon-zsa-zsa-to-leave-eastenders.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Barbara Windsor]] left her role of [[Peggy Mitchell]], which left a hole in the show, which Kirkwood decided to fill by bringing back Kat and Alfie, which he said would "herald the new era of ''EastEnders''."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/eastenders/2010/09/bryan-kirkwood-interview.shtml|title=Bryan Kirkwood interview!|date=8 September 2010|first=Joe|last=Harper|work=[[BBC Online]]|format=video|access-date=9 September 2010}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s2/eastenders/news/a275070/enders-boss-teases-spectacular-fire-ep.html|title='Enders boss teases "spectacular" fire ep|last=Kilkelly|first=Daniel|date=9 September 2010|work=[[Digital Spy]]|publisher=[[Hachette Filipacchi UK]]|access-date=9 September 2010|location=London|archive-date=10 September 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100910110728/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s2/eastenders/news/a275070/enders-boss-teases-spectacular-fire-ep.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> ''EastEnders'' started broadcasting in [[High-definition television|high definition]] on 25 December 2010.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/eastenders/2010/10/eastenders-to-go-hd-on-christm.shtml|title=EastEnders to go HD on Christmas Day!|last=Lou|date=21 October 2010|work=[[BBC Online]]|access-date=21 October 2010}}</ref> Old sets had to be rebuilt, so [[#Setting|The Queen Victoria]] set was [[Queen Vic Fire Week|burnt down]] in a storyline (and in reality) to facilitate this.

In November 2011, a storyline showed character [[Billy Mitchell (EastEnders)|Billy Mitchell]], played by [[Perry Fenwick]], selected to be a torch bearer for the [[2012 Summer Olympics]]. In reality, Fenwick carried the torch through the setting of Albert Square, with live footage shown in the [[Episode 4466|episode on 23 July 2012]]. This was the second live broadcast of ''EastEnders''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/a628985/corrie-eastenders-emmerdale-which-soap-had-the-best-live-special/|title=Corrie, EastEnders, Emmerdale: Which soap had the best live special?|access-date=27 January 2021|first=Daniel|last=Kilkelly|work=[[Digital Spy]]|date=15 February 2015}}</ref> In 2012, Kirkwood chose to leave his role as executive producer and was replaced by [[Lorraine Newman]]. The show lost many of its significant characters during this period. Newman stepped down after 16 months in the job in 2013 after the soap was criticised for its boring storylines and its lowest-ever figures pointing at around 4.8&nbsp;million.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Owoseje|first1=Toyin|title=EastEnders Boss Lorraine Newman Quits As Soap's Ratings Plummet|url=http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/eastenders-boss-lorraine-newman-quits-bbc-soap-495585|website=[[International Business Times]]|access-date=1 May 2017|date=30 July 2013}}</ref> [[Dominic Treadwell-Collins]] was appointed as the new executive producer on 19 August 2013<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/dominictc/status/368410124937101312 |title=Twitter / dominictc: Had an amazing three years|publisher=Twitter.com |access-date=2 May 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/a537973/eastenders-new-producer-shares-gossip-and-teasers-full-text/|title=EastEnders' new producer shares gossip and teasers- full text|date=13 December 2013|access-date=2 January 2019|first=Daniel|last=Kilkelly|work=[[Digital Spy]]}}</ref> and was credited on 9 December.<ref>{{cite web|title=9 December 2013|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b03kv3wz|publisher=[[BBC Programmes]]|access-date=1 May 2017}}</ref> He axed multiple characters from the show<ref>{{cite news|title=EastEnders to cut four stars|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/bbc/10330181/EastEnders-to-cut-four-stars.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/bbc/10330181/EastEnders-to-cut-four-stars.html |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|newspaper=[[The Daily Telegraph]]|access-date=1 May 2017|date=24 September 2013|agency=Press Association}}{{cbignore}}</ref> and introduced the extended Carter family.<ref>{{cite web|title=EastEnders boss: I refuse to tick boxes on race or sexuality|url=http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2015-02-02/eastenders-boss-i-refuse-to-tick-boxes-on-race-or-sexuality|publisher=[[RadioTimes]]|access-date=1 May 2017|date=2 February 2015}}</ref> He also introduced a long-running storyline, "[[Who Killed Lucy Beale?]]", which peaked during the show's 30th anniversary in 2015 with a [[EastEnders Live Week|week of live episodes]].<ref>{{cite news|title=At last: EastEnders will reveal Who Killed Lucy? in 30th anniversary show in February|url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/13195850.At_last__EastEnders_will_reveal_Who_Killed_Lucy__in_30th_anniversary_show_in_February/|newspaper=[[Herald Scotland]]|date=5 January 2013}}</ref> Treadwell-Collins announced his departure from ''EastEnders'' on 18 February 2016.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/eastenders/entries/dc5a0a28-acd5-4386-9102-c311b9627eda|title=Dominic Treadwell-Collins set to depart as Executive Producer|date=18 February 2016|website=EastEnders News & Spoilers|access-date=22 August 2016}}</ref>

[[Sean O'Connor (producer)|Sean O'Connor]], former ''EastEnders'' series story producer and then-editor of radio soap opera ''[[The Archers]]'', was announced to be taking over the role.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://metro.co.uk/2016/02/18/eastenders-boss-dominic-treadwell-collins-quits-the-bbc-soap-after-two-and-a-half-years-5702945/|title=EastEnders boss Dominic Treadwell-Collins quits after two and half years|last=Duncan|first=Amy|date=18 February 2016|work=[[Metro (British newspaper)|Metro]]|access-date=18 February 2016}}</ref> Treadwell-Collins left on 6 May<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/news/a793299/end-of-an-era-eastenders-boss-dominic-treadwell-collins-shares-emotional-pictures-from-his-last-day/|title=End of an era! EastEnders boss Dominic Treadwell-Collins shares emotional pictures from his last day|last=Babbage|first=Rachel|date=7 May 2016|work=[[Digital Spy]]|access-date=9 May 2016}}</ref> and O'Connor's first credited episode was broadcast on 11 July<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b07kxbxw|title=11 July 2016, EastEnders – BBC One|website=BBC|access-date=25 November 2016}}</ref> although his own creative work was not seen onscreen until late September.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/news/a799696/eastenders-find-out-when-new-producer-sean-oconnors-first-credited-episode-will-air/|title=EastEnders date revealed for new boss's first episode|date=30 June 2016|newspaper=Digital Spy|access-date=25 November 2016}}</ref> Additionally, Oliver Kent was brought in as the head of continuing drama series for BBC Scripted Studios, meaning that Kent would oversee ''EastEnders'' along with O'Connor.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://metro.co.uk/2016/12/01/casualty-boss-oliver-kent-is-now-in-charge-of-eastenders-too-6295255/|title=Casualty boss Oliver Kent is now in charge of EastEnders|last=Lindsay|first=Duncan|date=1 December 2016|work=[[Metro (British newspaper)|Metro]]|access-date=10 December 2016}}</ref> O'Connor's approach to the show was to have a firmer focus on realism, which he said was being "true to ''EastEnders''{{'}} DNA and [finding] a way of capturing what it would be like if Julia Smith and [[Tony Holland]] were making the show now." He said that "''EastEnders'' has always had a distinctly different tone from the other soaps but over time we've diluted our unique selling point. I think we need to be ourselves and go back to the origins of the show and what made it successful in the first place. It should be entertaining but it should also be informative—that's part of our unique BBC compact with the audience. It shouldn't just be a distraction from your own life, it should be an exploration of the life shared by the audience and the characters."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://metro.co.uk/2017/05/16/eastenders-boss-sean-oconnor-gives-first-in-depth-interview-on-his-changes-to-the-soap-and-its-future-6638324/|title=Spoilers EastEnders boss first interview on show changes and future|last=Lindsay|first=Duncan|date=16 May 2017|work=[[Metro (British newspaper)|Metro]]|access-date=17 May 2017}}</ref> O'Connor planned to stay with ''EastEnders'' until the end of 2017, but announced his departure on 23 June 2017 with immediate effect,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/news/a831548/eastenders-confirms-producer-sean-oconnor-is-leaving/|title=EastEnders confirms producer Sean O'Connor is leaving the soap effective immediately|last=Harp|first=Justin|date=23 June 2017|work=[[Digital Spy]]|access-date=24 June 2017}}</ref> saying he wanted to concentrate on a career in film. [[John Yorke (producer)|John Yorke]] returned as a temporary executive consultant. Kent said, "John Yorke is a Walford legend and I am thrilled that he will be joining us for a short period to oversee the show and to help us build on Sean's legacy while we recruit a long-term successor."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-40390623|title=EastEnders executive producer leaves programme after one year&nbsp;– BBC News|date=24 June 2017|work=[[BBC News]]|access-date=24 June 2017}}</ref> Yorke initially returned for three months but his contract was later extended.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/news/a857839/eastenders-boss-john-yorke-extends-contract-year|title= EastEnders boss John Yorke extends contract with the soap again|work=[[Digital Spy]]|date=23 May 2018|access-date=26 October 2018|first=Bea|last=Mitchell}}</ref>

In July 2018, a special episode was aired as part of a [[knife crime]] storyline. This episode, which showed the funeral of [[Shakil Kazemi]] ([[Shaheen Jafargholi]]) interspersed with real people talking about their true-life experiences of knife crime.
<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/news/a861114/eastenders-viewers-moved-soap-breaks-format-raise-awareness-knife-crime|title=Eastenders viewers moved as soap breaks format to raise awareness of knife crime|access-date=26 October 2018|date= 6 July 2018|first=Chris|last=Edwards|work=[[Digital Spy]]}}</ref> On 8 August 2018, it was announced that [[Kate Oates]], who has previously been a producer on the ITV soap operas ''[[Emmerdale]]'' and ''Coronation Street'', would become senior executive producer of ''EastEnders'', as well as ''[[Holby City]]'' and ''[[Casualty (TV series)|Casualty]]''. Oates began her role in October, and continued to work with Yorke until the end of the year to "ensure a smooth handover".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/news/a863452/eastenders-casualty-holby-city-new-producer-kate-oates/|title=EastEnders confirms new boss as Kate Oates takes over from John Yorke in top job|last=Dainty|first=Sophie|date=8 August 2018|work=[[Digital Spy]]|access-date=12 August 2018}}</ref> It was also announced that Oates was looking for an executive producer to work under her.<ref>{{cite news|last=Davies|first=Megan|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/news/a870672/eastenders-searching-new-executive-producer-kate-oates/|title=EastEnders is searching for a new executive producer to work with Kate Oates|date=15 November 2018|work=[[Digital Spy]]|access-date=16 November 2018}}</ref> [[Jon Sen]] was announced on 10 December 2018 to be taking on the role.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.radiotimes.com/news/2018-12-10/jon-sen-named-as-new-eastenders-boss/|title=Jon Sen named as new EastEnders boss|last=Brown|first=David|date=10 December 2018|work=[[Radio Times]]|access-date=10 December 2018}}</ref>

In late 2016, popularity and viewership of ''EastEnders'' began to decline, with viewers criticising the storylines during the O'Connor reign, such as the killing of the Mitchell sisters and a storyline centred on the local bin collection.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.buzzfeed.com/elliewoodward/eastenders-has-an-ongoing-storyline-about-bins-and-its-fucki|title="EastEnders" Has A Storyline About Bins And It's Driving Everyone Fucking Insane|last=Woodward|first=Ellie|date=2 November 2016|website=[[BuzzFeed]]|access-date=18 September 2019}}</ref> Since Yorke's and Oates's reigns, however, opinions towards the storylines have become more favourable, with storylines such as [[Ruby Allen]]'s ([[Louisa Lytton]]) sexual consent, which featured [[Episode 5820|a special episode]] which "broke new ground"<ref name="Dainty episode">{{cite news|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/a871649/eastenders-review-ruby-allen-rape-consent-episode/|title=Why EastEnders has broken new ground with Ruby Allen's consent episode|last1=Dainty|first1=Sophie|date=29 November 2018|work=[[Digital Spy]]|access-date=29 December 2018|publisher=[[Hearst Magazines UK]]}}</ref> and knife crime, both of which have created "vital" discussions. The soap won the award for Best Continuing Drama at the [[2019 British Academy Television Awards]]; its first high-profile award since 2016; however, in June 2019, ''EastEnders'' suffered its lowest ever ratings of 2.4&nbsp;million due to its airing at 7&nbsp;pm because of the BBC's coverage of the [[2019 FIFA Women's World Cup]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://inews.co.uk/news/eastenders-coronation-street-and-x-factor-decline-is-driving-down-tv-viewing-figures/|title=EastEnders, Coronation Street and The X Factor decline is driving down TV viewing figures|last=Sherwin|first=Adam|date=18 July 2018|website=[[i (British newspaper)|i]]|language=en-GB|access-date=3 July 2019}}</ref> As of 2019, the soap is one of the most watched series on [[BBC iPlayer]] and averages around 5 million viewers per episode.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.barb.co.uk/viewing-data/four-screen-dashboard/|title=Four-screen dashboard – BARB|publisher=[[Broadcasters Audience Research Board]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.irishnews.com/magazine/entertainment/2017/10/19/news/eastenders-is-ratings-success-on-bbc-iplayer-1167215/|title=EastEnders is ratings success on BBC iPlayer|date=19 October 2017|website=[[The Irish News]]|access-date=18 September 2019}}</ref> The soap enjoyed a record-breaking year on the streaming platform in 2019, with viewers requesting to stream or download the show 234 million times, up 10% on 2018.<ref name="player" /> The Christmas Day episode in 2019 became ''EastEnders'' biggest ever episode on BBC iPlayer, with 2.14&nbsp;million viewer requests.<ref name="player">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/latestnews/2020/eastenders-iplayer|title=EastEnders has best year ever on BBC iPlayer|access-date= 6 April 2020|work=[[BBC]]|date=19 January 2020}}</ref>

=== 2020s ===
In February 2020, ''EastEnders'' celebrated its 35th anniversary with a stunt on the [[River Thames]] leading to the death of [[Dennis Rickman Jr]] ([[Bleu Landau]]).<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/a31043456/eastenders-boss-dennis-death-actor-reaction/|title=EastEnders bosses reveal how actor reacted to shock death storyline|work=[[Digital Spy]]|access-date=22 February 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://metro.co.uk/2020/02/21/bleu-landau-leaving-eastenders-dennis-dies-12278782/|title=Why is Bleu Landau leaving EastEnders as Dennis dies?|work=[[Metro (British newspaper)|Metro]]|access-date=22 February 2020}}</ref>

It was announced on 18 March 2020 that production had been suspended on ''EastEnders'' and other BBC Studios continuing dramas in light of new government guidelines following the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], and that broadcast of the show would be reduced to two 30-minute episodes per week, broadcast on Mondays and Tuesdays.<ref name="Mercer">{{cite news |last1=Mercer |first1=David |title=Coronavirus: Filming of EastEnders suspended until further notice |url=https://news.sky.com/story/coronavirus-filming-of-eastenders-suspended-until-further-notice-11959542 |access-date=12 June 2020 |work=[[Sky News]] |date=18 March 2020}}</ref> A spokesperson confirmed that the decision was made to use up pre-shot episodes more slowly so that ''EastEnders'' could remain on-screen for longer.<ref name="Mercer" /> Two months later, [[Charlotte Moore (TV executive)|Charlotte Moore]], the director of content at the BBC, announced plans for a return to production. She confirmed that ''EastEnders'' would return to filming during June 2020 and that there would be a transmission break between episodes filmed before and after production paused.<ref name="Moore">{{cite news |title=EastEnders and Top Gear to resume filming in June, BBC says |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-52660480 |access-date=12 June 2020 |work=[[BBC News]] |publisher=[[BBC]] |date=14 May 2020}}</ref> When production recommenced, [[social distancing measures]] were utilised and the show's cast were required to do their own hair and make-up, which is normally done by a make-up artist.<ref name="Moore" />

It was announced on 3 June 2020 that ''EastEnders'' would go on a transmission break following the broadcast of episode 6124 on 16 June.<ref name="Hughes">{{cite news |last1=Hughes |first1=Johnathon |title=EastEnders confirms plans for behind-the-scenes show when soap goes off air |url=https://www.radiotimes.com/news/soaps/eastenders/2020-06-03/eastenders-secrets-from-the-square-stacey-dooley/ |access-date=12 June 2020 |work=[[Radio Times]] |date=3 June 2020}}</ref> A [[behind-the-scenes]] show, ''EastEnders: Secrets From The Square'', would air in the show's place during the transmission break, hosted by television personality [[Stacey Dooley]]. The first episode of the week featured exclusive interviews with the show's cast, while the second episode was a repeat of "iconic" episodes of the show.<ref name="Secrets">{{Cite press release|title=BBC One celebrates EastEnders with Secrets From The Square as well as a selection of iconic episodes from the past|date=3 June 2020|publisher=[[BBC Media Centre]]|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/latestnews/2020/eastenders-specials|access-date=12 June 2020}}</ref> Beginning on 22 June 2020, Dooley interviewed two cast members together in the show's restaurant set while observing social distancing measures.<ref name="Secrets" /> Kate Phillips, the controller of [[BBC Entertainment]], explained that ''EastEnders: Secrets From The Square'' would be the "perfect opportunity to celebrate the show" in the absence of the show.<ref name="Secrets" /> [[Jon Sen]], the show's [[executive producer]], expressed his excitement at the new series, dubbing it "a unique opportunity to see from the cast themselves just what it is like to be part of ''EastEnders''".<ref name="Secrets" />

Plans for the show's return to transmission were announced on 12 June 2020. It was confirmed that after the transmission break, the show would temporarily broadcast four 20-minute episodes per week, until it could return to its normal output. Sen explained that the challenges in production and filming of the show has led to the show's reduced output, but also stated that the crew had been "trialling techniques, filming methods and new ways of working" to prepare the show for its return.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Kilkelly |first1=Daniel |title=EastEnders to return to four-nights-a-week schedule – with shorter episodes |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/a32847905/eastenders-four-nights-shorter-episodes/ |access-date=12 June 2020 |work=[[Digital Spy]] |publisher=[[Hearst Magazines UK]] |date=12 June 2020}}</ref> Filming recommenced on 29 June,<ref name="Resumes">{{cite news |last1=Hughes |first1=Johnathon |title=EastEnders resumes filming with a big change in Albert Square |url=https://www.radiotimes.com/news/soaps/eastenders/2020-06-29/eastenders-resumes-filming-albert-square-mural/ |access-date=29 June 2020 |work=[[Radio Times]] |date=29 June 2020}}</ref> with episodes airing from 7 September 2020.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/a33594051/eastenders-return-date-confirmed-autumn-spoilers/|title=EastEnders confirms return date and reveals huge new autumn spoilers|work=[[Digital Spy]]|date=13 August 2020}}</ref>

On 9 April 2021, following the [[Death and funeral of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh|death]] of [[Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh]], the episode of ''EastEnders'' that was due to be aired that night was postponed along with the final of ''[[MasterChef (British TV series)|Masterchef]]''.<ref name="Postpone">{{Cite news |last=Toufexi |first=Ioanna |date=9 April 2021 |title=Eastenders, Masterchef and Emmerdale all cancelled tonight after death of Prince Philip |work=[[Cambridge News]] |url=https://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/news/uk-world-news/eastenders-masterchef-emmerdale-cancelled-tonight-20352972 |access-date=13 April 2021}}</ref> In May 2021, it was announced that from 14 June 2021, boxsets of episodes would be uploaded to [[BBC iPlayer]] each Monday for three weeks. Executive producer Sen explained that the bi-annual scheduling conflicts that the [[UEFA European Championship]] and the [[FIFA World Cup]] cause to the soap, premiering four episodes on the streaming service would be beneficial for fans of the show who want to watch at their own chosen pace. Sen also confirmed that the episodes will still air on BBC One throughout the week.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Anderton |first1=Joe |title=EastEnders to release episodes early on iPlayer for the first time ever |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/a36578485/eastenders-release-episodes-early-bbc-iplayer/|access-date=30 May 2021 |work=[[Digital Spy]] |publisher=[[Hearst Magazines UK]] |date=31 May 2021}}</ref> The release of these boxsets was extended for a further five weeks, due to similar impacts caused by the [[2020 Summer Olympics]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Seddon |first1=Dan |title=EastEnders to continue releasing episodes early as box set experiment is extended |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/a36913662/eastenders-episodes-box-set-bbc-iplayer-extension/|access-date=12 October 2021 |work=[[Digital Spy]] |publisher=[[Hearst Magazines UK]] |date=2 July 2021}}</ref>

On 12 October 2021, it was announced that ''EastEnders'' would partake in a special week-long crossover event involving multiple British soaps to promote the topic of [[climate change]] ahead of the [[2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Soaps unite to help highlight climate change |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/2021/soaps-unite-to-help-highlight-climate-change |website=[[BBC Media Centre]] |access-date=12 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211012224658/https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/2021/soaps-unite-to-help-highlight-climate-change |archive-date=12 October 2021 |date=12 October 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Casualty, Coronation Street, Eastenders, Emmerdale and Holby City to highlight climate change |url=https://www.itv.com/news/2021-10-12/why-eastenders-and-coronation-street-fans-will-see-characters-from-other-soaps |access-date=12 October 2021 |publisher=[[ITV News]] |date=12 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211012225151/https://www.itv.com/news/2021-10-12/why-eastenders-and-coronation-street-fans-will-see-characters-from-other-soaps |archive-date=12 October 2021}}</ref> During the week, beginning from 1 November, a social media clip featuring [[Maria Connor]] ([[Samia Longchambon]]) from ''Coronation Street'' was featured on the programme while [[Cindy Cunningham]] ([[Stephanie Waring]]) from ''[[Hollyoaks]]'' was also referenced.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Dainty |first1=Sophie |title=EastEnders references Coronation Street storyline as Bailey goes viral |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/a38131820/eastenders-coronation-street-reference-november-2/ |access-date=2 November 2021 |work=[[Digital Spy]] |publisher=[[Hearst Magazines UK]] |date=2 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211102234413/https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/a38131820/eastenders-coronation-street-reference-november-2/ |archive-date=2 November 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Harp |first1=Justin |title=EastEnders references Hollyoaks as Cindy Cunningham goes viral |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/a38163351/eastenders-spoilers-hollyoaks-crossover-cindy-cunningham/ |access-date=5 November 2021 |work=[[Digital Spy]] |publisher=[[Hearst Magazines UK]] |date=4 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211105235305/https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/a38163351/eastenders-spoilers-hollyoaks-crossover-cindy-cunningham/ |archive-date=5 November 2021}}</ref> Similar clips featuring the show's own characters, [[Bailey Baker]] (Kara-Leah Fernandes) and [[Peter Beale]] (Dayle Hudson), were featured on ''[[Doctors (2000 TV series)|Doctors]]'' and ''Emmerdale'' during the week.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Davies |first1=Matilda |title=Emmerdale gives EastEnders a shout-out as soap crossover continues |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/emmerdale/a38150519/emmerdale-eastenders-soap-crossover/ |access-date=3 November 2021 |work=[[Digital Spy]] |publisher=[[Hearst Magazines UK]] |date=3 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211103222734/https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/emmerdale/a38150519/emmerdale-eastenders-soap-crossover/ |archive-date=3 November 2021}}</ref>

In November 2021, it was announced that Sen would step down from his role as executive producer, and would be succeeded by former story producer [[Chris Clenshaw]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2021/11/eastenders-exec-jon-sen-to-step-down-replaced-by-chris-clenshaw-1234872809/|title="EastEnders" Exec Jon Sen to Step Down, Replaced by Chris Clenshaw|date = 12 November 2021}}</ref> Sen's final credited episode as executive producer was broadcast on 10 March 2022 and coincided in a week of episodes that saw the arrest of serial killer [[Gray Atkins]] ([[Toby-Alexander Smith]]).<ref>{{cite news |last1=Harp |first1=Justin |title=EastEnders airs big change for new episodes |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/a39442074/eastenders-spoilers-jon-sen-final-episodes-producer/ |access-date=3 June 2022 |work=[[Digital Spy]] |publisher=([[Hearst Communications]])}}</ref> From the week commencing on 7 March 2022, the show has been broadcast every weekday from Monday to Thursday in a 7:30 pm slot, making it the first time in the show's history that the programme began airing permanently on Wednesdays.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/soaps/eastenders/eastenders-schedule-changes-newsupdate/|title = EastEnders schedule changes to begin next month}}</ref> On 2 June 2022, ''EastEnders'' aired an episode celebrating the [[Platinum Jubilee of Elizabeth II]]. [[Charles, Prince of Wales]] and [[Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall]] guest starred in the episode; it also marked the first executive producer credit for Clenshaw.<ref>{{cite news |title=EastEnders celebrates the Jubilee with a special royal theme tune in the end credits |url=https://www.bbc.com/mediacentre/2022/eastenders-jubilee-theme-tune |access-date=3 June 2022 |work=[[BBC]]}}</ref> Clenshaw's first major decision as executive producer was the axing of five series regulars: [[Peter Beale]] ([[Dayle Hudson]]), [[Stuart Highway (EastEnders)|Stuart Highway]] ([[Ricky Champ]]), [[Jada Lennox]] (Kelsey Calladine-Smith), [[Dana Monroe]] (Barbara Smith) and [[Lola Pearce]] ([[Danielle Harold]]). Viewers criticised the decision, feeling that some of the characters had potential to add to the soap.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Lindsay |first1=Duncan |title='Why!?' EastEnders fans stunned by five sudden exits – and some have hit hard |url=https://metro.co.uk/2022/06/10/eastenders-fans-are-stunned-as-stuart-lola-and-dana-leave-16807844/ |access-date=10 June 2022 |work=[[Metro (British newspaper)|Metro]] |publisher=([[DMG Media]]) |date=10 June 2022}}</ref> Clenshaw has since overseen the returns of [[Alfie Moon]] ([[Shane Richie]]) and [[Yolande Trueman]] ([[Angela Wynter]]), the recast of [[Amy Mitchell]] ([[Ellie Dadd]]), as well as the reintroduction of [[Cindy Beale]] ([[Michelle Collins]]), who returned from the dead after 25 years.<ref>{{cite web |title=Alfie Moon is on his way home to EastEnders |url=https://bbc.com/mediacentre/2022/alfie-moon-is-on-his-way-home-eastenders |website=[[BBC Media Centre]] |access-date=12 September 2023 |date=8 July 2022 |archive-date=12 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230912202152/https://www.bbc.com/mediacentre/2022/alfie-moon-is-on-his-way-home-eastenders |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=EastEnders 2023 summer preview: 5 spoilers from Chris Clenshaw |url=https://radiotimes.com/tv/soaps/eastenders/eastenders-2023-summer-preview-chris-clenshaw-spoilers/ |website=[[Radio Times]] |access-date=12 September 2023 |date=24 June 2023 |archive-date=24 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230724202718/https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/soaps/eastenders/eastenders-2023-summer-preview-chris-clenshaw-spoilers/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=EastEnders boss Chris Clenshaw reveals summer storylines – and a flashforward clue |url=https://digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/a44312617/eastenders-spoilers-summer-storylines-flashforward-clue/ |website=[[Digital Spy]] |access-date=12 September 2023 |date=24 June 2023 |archive-date=25 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230725051033/https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/a44312617/eastenders-spoilers-summer-storylines-flashforward-clue/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=EastEnders boss Chris Clenshaw explains huge return twist |url=https://digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/a44279986/eastenders-spoilers-chris-clenshaw-cindy-beale-return/ |website=[[Digital Spy]] |access-date=12 September 2023 |date=21 June 2023 |archive-date=21 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230821221824/https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/a44279986/eastenders-spoilers-chris-clenshaw-cindy-beale-return/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=EastEnders boss Chris Clenshaw reveals impact of Cindy return on Knights |url=https://radiotimes.com/tv/soaps/eastenders/eastenders-chris-clenshaw-cindy-return-impact-newsupdate/ |website=[[Radio Times]] |access-date=12 September 2023 |date=24 June 2023 |archive-date=24 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230724202717/https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/soaps/eastenders/eastenders-chris-clenshaw-cindy-return-impact-newsupdate/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Public opinion on Clenshaw then changed and he has been credited for improving ratings and garnering critical acclaim for the soap, with ''EastEnders'' winning the award for [[Best British Soap]] at the [[2023 British Soap Awards]] and the award for Serial Drama at the [[28th National Television Awards]] under his leadership.<ref>{{cite web |title=Why EastEnders is finally back to being the best soap on TV |url=https://radiotimes.com/tv/soaps/eastenders/eastenders-is-finally-back-comment/ |website=[[Radio Times]] |access-date=12 September 2023 |date=10 February 2023 |archive-date=2 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230902183412/https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/soaps/eastenders/eastenders-is-finally-back-comment/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=EastEnders wins Best Serial Drama at NTAs 2023 |url=https://digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/a45013116/eastenders-best-serial-drama-ntas-2023/ |website=[[Digital Spy]] |access-date=12 September 2023 |date=5 September 2023 |archive-date=6 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230906122635/https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/a45013116/eastenders-best-serial-drama-ntas-2023/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=BBC EastEnders fans want show boss 'knighted' as two more characters return after Cindy and Ian Beale comeback |url=https://walesonline.co.uk/lifestyle/tv/bbc-eastenders-fans-want-show-27182751.amp |website=[[WalesOnline]] |access-date=12 September 2023 |date=23 June 2023 |archive-date=30 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230630002719/https://www.walesonline.co.uk/lifestyle/tv/bbc-eastenders-fans-want-show-27182751.amp |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Danielle Harold praises EastEnders boss for Lola's emotional exit |url=https://radiotimes.com/tv/soaps/eastenders/eastenders-danielle-harold-lola-chris-clenshaw-exit-newsupdate/ |website=[[Radio Times]] |access-date=12 September 2023 |date=27 May 2023 |archive-date=6 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230906025108/https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/soaps/eastenders/eastenders-danielle-harold-lola-chris-clenshaw-exit-newsupdate/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=EastEnders boss Chris Clenshaw explains the "Knight in Shining Armour" |url=https://radiotimes.com/tv/soaps/eastenders/eastenders-spoilers-chris-clenshaw-knight-shining-armour-newsupdate/ |website=[[Radio Times]] |access-date=12 September 2023 |archive-date=22 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230622140902/https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/soaps/eastenders/eastenders-spoilers-chris-clenshaw-knight-shining-armour-newsupdate/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

On 26 September 2024, it was announced Clenshaw would step down as series executive producer in February 2025, following the soap's 40th anniversary;<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Daly |first1=Helen |title=''EastEnders'' boss Chris Clenshaw to step down next year |url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/soaps/eastenders/eastenders-chris-clenshaw-step-down-ben-wadey-newsupdate/ |magazine=[[Radio Times]] |publisher=[[Immediate Media Company]] |access-date=26 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240926144320/https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/soaps/eastenders/eastenders-chris-clenshaw-step-down-ben-wadey-newsupdate/ |archive-date=26 September 2024 |location=United Kingdom |issn=0033-8060 |date=26 September 2024 |url-status=live}}</ref> Ben Wadey was announced as his successor.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Zammitt |first1=Erin |title=''EastEnders''{{'}} executive producer Chris Clenshaw to step down |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/a62385462/eastenders-chris-clenshaw-steps-down-ben-wadey/ |website=[[Digital Spy]] |publisher=[[Hearst Communications]] |access-date=26 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240926144800/https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/a62385462/eastenders-chris-clenshaw-steps-down-ben-wadey/ |archive-date=26 September 2024 |location=United Kingdom |date=26 September 2024 |url-status=live}}</ref>