Chris Clenshaw will be waving goodbye to Walford in February 2025 – when the soap celebrates its 40th birthday.
Chris Clenshaw has quit his role as the executive producer of EastEnders following three years on the BBC soap.
Before Clenshaw leaves Walford for good, he will oversee the widely anticipated 40th anniversary, which is going live as part of its milestone celebrations.
Speaking of his decision to leave, Clenshaw said: “As a proud EastEnders fan, it has been the honour of my life to be its custodian. It has meant everything to me, and I’ve given Walford my all.
“I made the tough decision that I would step down after the 40th anniversary many months ago – to keep EastEnders creatively refreshed as it’s a show that needs to constantly evolve. After what will be three years at the helm and leading the team through its milestone celebrations, the time feels right that I hand over the keys to The Queen Vic.
“Elstree holds a special place in my heart, and I know when the day comes, it’ll be hard to tear myself away. My special thanks go to the sensational EastEnders cast and crew that I’m incredibly proud to have led over the past few years, and who have provided me with unwavering support. Their commitment, passion and talent has inspired me every day, and I am so grateful to them and proud of everything that we’ve achieved together.”
He added: “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.”
Speaking about his successor, Cleanshaw added: “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.”
Clenshaw started his career at EastEnders in 2015 when he bagged a job as storyliner before being promoted to script edit and story produce. But after four years he left the soap to work on Holby City.
In 2020, he left the BBC to work in development at Vertigo Films and Rope Ladder Fiction, before returning to EastEnders in January 2022 as Executive Producer.
During his three year reign, Clenshaw has created iconic storylines and and tackled big issues that will go down in EastEnders history. Highlights include the award-winning Loving & Losing Lola, as well as The Six flashforward whodunit, and the return of Cindy Beale.
He also produced unmissable episodes including The Platinum Jubilee with the then Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall, the 1979 Mitchells Flashback, Dot Cotton’s funeral, and Jay and Honey running The London Marathon.
Clenshaw also 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.
Clenshaw will continue working for BBC Studios Drama Productions when Ben Wadey returns to EastEnders from Channel 4.
Wadey was Commissioning Executive overseeing Hollyoaks and a number of original dramas, including Generation Z and the upcoming James Graham drama Brian and Margaret.
He previously worked on EastEnders as the story editor overseeing memorable plots including the celebrations for the 35th anniversary as well as a special episode focussed on Linda Carter as she struggled with her alcoholism.
Wadey 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.”
He added: “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.”
EastEnders airs on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
