Executive producer Chris Clenshaw of EastEnders has revealed that he will be leaving the show next year, calling it “the honour of his life” with great passion.
When the BBC soap opera celebrates its 40th anniversary in February 2025, the 37-year-old TV executive will resign from his position, and a well-known figure will take over.
Ben Wadey, who was the Commissioning Executive for Hollyoaks and several other original dramas at Channel 4, will be making a comeback to EastEnders.
Previously Ben worked on EastEnders as the Story Editor overseeing many stories including the celebrations for the 35th anniversary, as well as a special episode focussed on Linda Carter as she struggled with her alcoholism.
Chris on the other hand, returned to the soap taking on his Executive Producer role back in January 2022 and has since been credited with ‘turning EastEnders back into appointment viewing’ with ‘mind-blowing plot twists and devastating real-life storylines’.
EastEnders executive producer Chris Clenshaw has announced that he will be stepping down from his role next year, which he has emotionally dubbed ‘the honour of his life’
Ben Wadey will be returning to EastEnders from Channel 4 where he was Commissioning Executive overseeing Hollyoaks and a number of original dramas
During his second stint at EastEnders, Chris created many bold storylines and tackled big issues that will go down in EastEnders history, including the award-winning Loving & Losing Lola.
He was also responsible for The Six flashforward whodunit, and the return of Cindy Beale, while also producing unmissable episodes including The Platinum Jubilee with the then Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall, the 1979 Mitchell’s Flashback, Dot Cotton’s funeral, and Jay and Honey running The London Marathon.
He created the Knights; the first black and dual heritage family to run a pub on any UK soap, headed up by Colin Salmon, and has brought back fan favourites including Adam Woodyatt, Michelle Collins, Jacqueline Jossa, Shane Richie, Angela Wynter and Patsy Palmer.
Under Chris’ leadership, EastEnders has won numerous awards including Best Soap and Continuing Drama at this year’s Royal Television Society (RTS) Awards, as well as taking home seven awards at this year’s Radio Times Awards, and every public-nominated award at last year’s British Soap and National Television Awards.
Before Chris leaves Walford, he will oversee the hotly anticipated 40th anniversary, which is going live as part of its celebrations and, in a first for the soap, will include an interactive element where the viewers will have the power to decide the outcome of a storyline.
The TV boss has had a long career at EastEnders, from he beginning by working on the show in 2015 as a storyliner, before going on to script edit and story produce.
He left EastEnders in 2019 to produce continuing drama, Holby City, and left the BBC in 2020 to work in development at Vertigo Films and Rope Ladder Fiction, before returning in 2022 for three more years.
Chris will continue working for BBC Studios Drama Productions. Speaking of his decision to leave, he said: ‘As a proud EastEnders fan, it has been the honour of my life to be its custodian. It has meant everything to me, and I’ve given Walford my all.
During his second stint at EastEnders, Chris created many bold storylines including The Six flashforward whodunit
He tackled big issues that will go down in EastEnders history, including the award-winning Loving & Losing Lola
He produced unmissable episodes including The Platinum Jubilee with the then Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall
Under Chris’ leadership, EastEnders has won numerous awards (pictured with a BAFTA in 2019)
‘I made the tough decision that I would step down after the 40th anniversary many months ago – to keep EastEnders creatively refreshed as it’s a show that needs to constantly evolve.
‘After what will be three years at the helm and leading the team through its milestone celebrations, the time feels right that I hand over the keys to The Queen Vic.’
He continued: ‘Elstree holds a special place in my heart, and I know when the day comes, it’ll be hard to tear myself away.
‘My special thanks go to the sensational EastEnders cast and crew that I’m incredibly proud to have led over the past few years, and who have provided me with unwavering support.
‘Their commitment, passion and talent has inspired me every day, and I am so grateful to them and proud of everything that we’ve achieved together.
‘EastEnders has been the highlight of my career and I have loved every minute of it, but it’s time for change, and for a new chapter, and I’m delighted to be staying within BBC Studios Drama Productions.
‘Although my departure from EastEnders is not for some time yet, whilst I’m still here, I look forward to putting all our efforts into our momentous anniversary.’
Finally, he praised Ben Wadey by guipping: I’m pleased to be passing the show on to Ben Wadey. I’m confident that, under him, EastEnders will continue to thrive, and I wish him the very best as it is without doubt the best job in telly and I hope he enjoys the ride just as much as I have. Thank you, EastEnders – for everything.’
Chris said: ‘Although my departure from EastEnders is not for some time yet, whilst I’m still here, I look forward to putting all our efforts into our momentous anniversary’ (pictured in 2023)
During her previous time on EastEnders, Ben also played a pivotal role in the introduction of the Panesar family, fronted by the formidable matriarch Suki.
At Holby City, Ben served as Story Producer for the BAFTA-nominated final series. His final episodes featured the farewell to Holby legend Jac Naylor and the return of numerous beloved characters.
Speaking about his new role as Executive Producer, Ben Wadey said: ‘I’m thrilled to be returning to EastEnders at such an exciting time for the show.
‘Having grown up watching and loving EastEnders, it sparked my passion for television, and I feel I’ve known the residents of Walford my entire life – so to lead this iconic BBC soap into its next chapter is a true privilege.
‘I can’t wait to collaborate with the exceptional team at EastEnders and build on Chris Clenshaw’s brilliant work to deliver unmissable stories to fans – both those who have been watching for years and those just discovering Albert Square.’
