New 'EastEnders' boss promises more LGBT representation in veteran soap

Kate Oates, the new boss of EastEnders, has pledged that there will be more diversity in the show while it’s under her tenure.

In particular, she has said that there will be more representation planned for the LGBT community, something that the show has come under fire for not having enough of in the past.

“I have a reasonable track record about that and diversity of all kinds. Diversity is definitely high on the list so yeah, watch that particular space,” she told The Sun.

“It really is a great ensemble cast and that’s a gift in my job. It’s what you need. It’s a whole spectrum of people and I’ve got that,” she went on.

“There’s a lot of diversity in terms of ages and character profiles so that means we’ve got a really broad palate of story.”

Dean Gaffney, who plays Robbie Jackson in the show, said this week that some stars of the show are nervous about a new boss swinging the axe.

“I think you wouldn’t be human if you weren’t worried when your contract comes up for renewal,” he told the Daily Mirror.

“Mine doesn’t come up for a while, so I’m okay for the moment, but it’s squeaky bum time for every actor, no one is bigger than any show.”

But Oates has said that established characters have nothing to fear.

“They’ve got an amazing range because as well as the drama they’re capable of such warmth and I think that’s when the audience loves them at their best, when they’re actually showing that full range,” she went on.

“So no, I don’t have any kind of plans to shake that up. I’m a big fan of the Carters so no no plans to get rid of them. And also Danny’s teaching me to speak cockney, so.”

As well as EastEnders, Oates will also be in charge of Casualty and Holby City, the first person to helm all three of the BBC’s flagship soaps.

“I keep saying I’ve got good people behind me and luckily the talent is there so it is daunting but you’ve just got to have faith in yourself and ask for help when you need it and you’ve got to use the amazing talent around you and hopefully it will fall beautifully into place,” she said.

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