EastEnders boss quits soap after three years to lead Casualty with new executive producer taking over

EASTENDERS' boss has quit the soap after three years to lead Casualty - with a new executive producer taking over.

Jon Sen's departure follows a slump in ratings for the BBC One soap.

In an announcement by BBC Studios, Chris Clenshaw was confirmed as EastEnders' new executive producer.

It isn't the first time Chris, who previously worked on Holby City, will have been involved in the Albert Square action.

He was a storyliner for the soap in 2015 before editing the scripts.

His hard-hitting storylines at the time included Stacey Slater's postpartum psychosis and the final farewell for iconic character Peggy Mitchell, played by the late Barbara Windsor.

Meanwhile Jon will move to Casualty as well as developing two new high end drama projects that have had the go ahead from the BBC.

During his time at EastEnders, he introduced he soap's first Sikh family, the Panesars, in 2019.

He also oversaw Linda Carter's alcoholism and the domestic violence murder of Chantelle Atkins at the hands of her twisted husband Gray.

However in October, The Sun exclusively revealed how EastEnders was beaten in the ratings by a tough quiz and a documentary about traffic police.

A peak of 2.9 million tuned in to watch a Monday episode of the beleaguered BBC1 soap at the start of that month.

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At the same time, Only Connect on BBC2 drew 3.1 million viewers and ITV’s Beyond the Line: North Wales Traffic Cops had 3 million.

In a statement, Kate Oates, BBC Studios' Head of Continuing Drama, said: "It is with great excitement that we look forward to Chris Clenshaw arriving back in Albert Square, this time at the helm of the show.

"HIS LOVE FOR THE PROGRAMME RUNS DEEP"

"His love for the programme runs deep, and I know he’s already looking forward to telling fresh and exciting stories and celebrating the very best of our iconic characters.

"I would like to thank Jon Sen from the bottom of my heart for all he has done for the show, especially in his creation of some brilliant new characters, and pioneering new ways of shooting during the pandemic.

"While I am sad he has taken the decision to leave EastEnders to take on new creative challenges, I am delighted to continue working with him in the future."

Kate will oversee Jon's executive producer duties until Chris arrives on the soap in January next year.

EastEnders airs on BBC One and is available on BBC iPlayer.