New EP for EastEnders

Chris Clenshaw is stepping down as executive producer of EastEnders, with Ben Wadey, commissioning executive from Channel 4, taking over the role.

Wadey will be returning to EastEnders from Channel 4, where he was commissioning executive overseeing Hollyoaks and a number of original dramas, including Generation Z and the upcoming James Graham drama Brian and Margaret. Previously, Wadey was story editor on EastEnders, overseeing stories such as the celebrations for the 35th anniversary as well as a special episode focused on Linda Carter as she struggled with her alcoholism.

Clenshaw will exit in February 2025 once the soap has celebrated its 40th anniversary. He began working on the show in 2015 as a storyliner before going on to script edit and story produce. He left EastEnders in 2019 to produce the continuing drama Holby City and left the BBC in 2020 to work in development at Vertigo Films and Rope Ladder Fiction before returning to EastEnders in January 2022 as EP.

Clenshaw said: “As a proud EastEnders fan, it has been the honor of my life to be its custodian. It has meant everything to me, and I’ve given Walford my all. I made the tough decision that I would step down after the 40th anniversary many months ago – to keep EastEnders creatively refreshed as it’s a show that needs to constantly evolve. After what will be three years at the helm and leading the team through its milestone celebrations, the time feels right that I hand over the keys to The Queen Vic. Elstree holds a special place in my heart, and I know when the day comes, it’ll be hard to tear myself away. My special thanks go to the sensational EastEnders cast and crew that I’m incredibly proud to have led over the past few years and who have provided me with unwavering support. Their commitment, passion and talent have inspired me every day, and I am so grateful to them and proud of everything that we’ve achieved together. EastEnders has been the highlight of my career, and I have loved every minute of it, but it’s time for change and for a new chapter, and I’m delighted to be staying within BBC Studios Drama Productions. Although my departure from EastEnders is not for some time yet, whilst I’m still here, I look forward to putting all our efforts into our momentous anniversary. I’m pleased to be passing the show on to Ben Wadey. I’m confident that, under him, EastEnders will continue to thrive, and I wish him the very best as it is, without doubt, the best job in telly, and I hope he enjoys the ride just as much as I have. Thank you, EastEnders—for everything.”

Wadey commented: “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.”

Lindsay Salt, director of drama for the BBC, said: “Since the moment Chris returned to Walford his vision for the show was instantly felt by everyone both on the show, as well as the audience. Chris’s commitment, creativity and pure love for EastEnders has ensured that the show remains at the top of its game as he has created some truly fantastic storylines which will go down in EastEnders history. We are thrilled that Chris will be leading EastEnders through its 40th anniversary as his ambition for the momentous occasion is set to be another iconic moment for the show. Everyone at EastEnders will miss Chris immensely, but we wish him all the best in his next role at BBC Studios. I would like to take this opportunity to welcome Ben Wadey, who joins us at a very exciting time for the program. With his passion for EastEnders, we are all delighted to be working with him.”

Kate Oates, head of drama productions at BBC Studios, added: “Chris has had—and is still enjoying—a brilliant tenure at EastEnders. He‘s achieved a skillful balance: combining his own deep love and understanding of the show and its rich history with character-led stories that exemplify modern soap. The whole team has enjoyed working with him immensely, and we can’t wait to collectively bring his vision for the 40th anniversary to life. Looking forward, Ben Wadey is the worthiest successor to this fantastic era. I have had the pleasure of seeing his career within the genre go from strength to strength, and I was thrilled when he accepted the challenge of taking the reins as executive producer. He has a passion for the show, a strong history with the team, and a brilliant story brain: the perfect combination to see EastEnders into its 41st year. With Ben as executive producer of EastEnders, and Chris staying within BBC Studios Drama Productions, I feel privileged to be working alongside such huge talents for the foreseeable future.”