Channel 4 Commissioning Executive, Ben Wadey is to return to the BBC as the Executive Producer of EastEnders.
Wadey has been based at Channel 4 since 2022, overseeing the major changes at Hollyoaks, plus original shows, such as Generation Z’s and the upcoming James Graham drama, Brian and Margaret.
He will take over from Chris Clenshaw, who’s decided to step down in February next year, after the soap has celebrated its 40th Anniversary.
During his 3 years on the show, he’s been credited with turning it into “appointment viewing.” This includes the award-winning Loving & Losing Lola, as well as The Six flashforward whodunit, and the return of Cindy Beale.
He also created the Knights; the first Black and dual heritage family to run a pub on any UK soap.
Clenshaw has had a long career at EastEnders; he began working on the show in 2015 as a storyliner, before going on to script edit and story produce. He left EastEnders in 2019 to produce continuing drama, Holby City, and left the BBC in 2020 to work in development at Vertigo Films and Rope Ladder Fiction, before returning to EastEnders in January 2022 as Executive Producer.
He’ll continue to work for BBC Studios Drama Productions:
“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,” he stated.
“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.
“I’m pleased to be passing the show on to Ben Wadey. I’m confident that, under him, EastEnders will continue to thrive, and I wish him the very best as it is without doubt the best job in telly and I hope he enjoys the ride just as much as I have. Thank you, EastEnders – for everything.”
For Wadey, it is a return to the London soap, having been Story Editor during its 35th anniversary and also playing a key role in the introduction of the Panesar family.
“I’m thrilled to be returning to EastEnders at such an exciting time for the show,” he said.
“Having grown up watching and loving EastEnders, it sparked my passion for television, and I feel I’ve known the residents of Walford my entire life – so to lead this iconic BBC soap into its next chapter is a true privilege. I can’t wait to collaborate with the exceptional team at EastEnders and build on Chris Clenshaw’s brilliant work to deliver unmissable stories to fans – both those who have been watching for years and those just discovering Albert Square.”
Lindsay Salt, Director Drama BBC added:
“Since the moment Chris returned to Walford his vision for the show was instantly felt by everyone both on the show, as well as the audience. Chris’s commitment, creativity and pure love for EastEnders has ensured that the show remains at the top of its game as he has created some truly fantastic storylines which will go down in EastEnders history.
“We are thrilled that Chris will be leading EastEnders through its 40th anniversary as his ambition for the momentous occasion is set to be another iconic moment for the show. Everyone at EastEnders will miss Chris immensely but we wish him all the best in his next role at BBC Studios. I would like to take this opportunity to welcome Ben Wadey, who joins at a very exciting time for the programme. With his passion for EastEnders, we are all delighted to be working with him.”
