EASTENDERS fans have been left calling for a soap shake-up after it was revealed the programme would be getting a new boss.
Yesterday it was confirmed that long-standing producer Chris Clenshaw would be stepping down from the show after the soap hits its 40th anniversary milestone next February.
Fans want new EastEnders boss Ben to make some changes[/caption] It comes after it was revealed Chris Clenshaw was walking away[/caption]He will be replaced by Ben Wadley, who is moving to the BBC after a time spent working as the Commissioning Executive, overseeing Hollyoaks.
The changes at EastEnders have already led to soap superfans sharing their demands for Ben in order to give the soap a shake-up as it comes into its new era.
Among many of people’s wishes is a bid for the show to go on an axing spree and offload some of the “dead wood” that fans say are ruining the show’s quality.
Many EastEnders fans have called for the axing of Felix Baker and Callum Highway after insisting they bring nothing to the soap and simply act as background and filler characters with no true storyline of their own.
Other characters that fans felt had run their course included Bernie Taylor and Freddie Slater.
Writing online, one fan said: “Get rid of the dead wood characters and characters who just have no point anymore like Felix , Reiss , Callum , Bernie and Freddie.”
Another echoed the sentiment on Felix, penning: “It’s really weird how they’ve done absolutely nothing with Felix but kept him around.”
Elsewhere, another fan demanded the introduction of more Mitchell women to inject life into the soap.
Characters including Peggy, Ronnie and Roxy Mitchell have all departed the cast leaving a huge hole to be filled.
They said: “I think we need some new Mitchell women to join the new brothers. We are lacking Mitchell women since the loss of Ronnie , Roxy , Peggy , Sam and Glenda.
“Some characters returns id love to see Shirley being the obvious and Sam also i think she deserves a long stint.”
Fans were left surprised when it was revealed that Chris would be stepping down after he was largely praised for turning the fortunes of the show around.
He has been praised for his gritty plots, major character returns and the infamous The Six storyline that gripped the nation.
Reflecting on his decision to leave, Chris confirmed in a statement that it was always his intention to leave after hitting the 40th anniversary milestone.
One of the characters they want to see on the chopping block is Freddie Slater[/caption]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.
“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.
“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.”
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