Editing EastEnders (section)

=== 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>