EastEnders boss Dominic Treadwell-Collins is leaving the popular BBC One soap, the BBC has said.
The Archers editor Sean O’Connor has been lined up to replace the 38-year-old who has been in the job since 2013 and will depart in late spring.
Sean has been involved with The Archers, on and off, since the late 1990s. As the series editor, he has been credited with 'sexing up' Ambridge with storylines including torrid affairs and domestic abuse.
Barbara Windsor as Peggy Mitchell (BBC)
Before his exit, Dominic will preside over the death of Albert Square matriarch Peggy Mitchell, played by Dame Barbara Windsor, and the return of Ross Kemp as Peggy’s son Grant.
In a statement, Dominic said: “My love for EastEnders is no secret and so the decision to leave Walford has not been one I have taken lightly. When I commit to something, I always give it my all – and after two and a half years of giving my blood to Walford, it is time for me to move on to other things – and keep EastEnders creatively refreshed, something that it has to do to stay at the top of its game.”
Kellie Bright and Danny Dyer in EastEnders (BBC)
Although he decided to leave a while ago, Dominic revealed he stayed on a little longer because of Barbara Windsor.
“When Dame Barbara comes to you to produce her final episodes, you cannot say no,” he said.
The outgoing producer also paid tribute to the incoming boss.
Danny Dyer in EastEnders (Jack Barnes/BBC)
“This is an incredible all-consuming show and in Sean, I know that we have found someone who already has Albert Square in his bones and who adores EastEnders as much as I do.”
He added: “It’s going to be gut-wrenching to tear myself away from everyone at EastEnders. It’s an utterly unique place to work, with everyone working so hard and with such passion – and I am so so proud to have led that brilliant team over the past couple of years. I know that EastEnders will continue to thrive under Sean and I’m looking forward to watching the show as a viewer again.”
Danny Dyer as Mick Carter in EastEnders (BBC)
While at the helm, Dominic introduced the hugely popular Carter family, with Danny Dyer heading the clan as Mick Carter. He was also behind last year’s successful 30th anniversary live week of episodes, culminating in the reveal that young Bobby Beale killed his sister Lucy.
Sean O’Connor, who worked on EastEnders’ Little Mo domestic abuse storyline as a producer, said he was 'thrilled' to be back in Albert Square.
“Dominic hands over EastEnders in robust health. It’s a testament to his endless commitment, infectious enthusiasm and rich imagination that the programme remains BBC One’s flagship drama.”
Barbara Windsor as Peggy Mitchell (BBC)
“I’m thrilled to be back in Walford and particularly delighted to work once more with many dear friends and colleagues both backstage and on screen. I loved my time working at EastEnders previously; there’s nothing quite as challenging nor as rewarding.”
In a statement, BBC One Controller Charlotte Moore said Dominic had done 'an extraordinary job' and that he 'has transformed EastEnders over the last few years'.
She added: “EastEnders owes Dominic so much and we will miss him greatly.”
