Chris Clenshaw replacing Jon Sen as EastEnders executive producer

Chris Clenshaw is replacing Jon Sen as 'EastEnders' showrunner.

The 'Holby City' producer is returning to the soap as Executive Producer, having previously spent four years on Albert Square, initially starting as a storyliner in 2015 before going on to script edit and story produce the soap, and he's "thrilled" to be back.

Chris - whose previous stint saw him storyline the exit of Peggy Mitchell (Dame Barbara Windsor) and be involved with Stacey Slater's (Lacey Turner) postpartum psychosis and Ruby Allen's (Louisa Lytton) sexual consent plots - said in a statement: "I’m thrilled to be returning to Walford to work with the hugely talented team on a British institution that, for more than three decades, has given us some of the most memorable moments in popular culture.

"Becoming the custodian of one of Britain’s greatest dramas is a huge honour."

Meanwhile, after three years at the helm, Jon is leaving 'EastEnders' to take charge of 'Casualty' from December, as well as developing two new high-end drama projects for BBC Studios.

He said: "The time has come to bid my farewell to Walford. It has been the honour of a lifetime to helm this amazing show for three years. I want to give a heartfelt thanks to Kate and rest of the wonderful team at Elstree for the brilliant work we’ve achieved together. I wish Chris every success in his new role."

BBC Studios’ Head of Continuing Drama, Kate Oates, will oversee executive producer duties on 'EastEnders' until Chris starts his new role in January.

She 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, 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."