**EastEnders Star Colin Salmon Praises Show’s Direction as New Boss Steps In**
EastEnders, the long-running BBC One soap, is approaching a significant change in leadership as Ben Wadey prepares to take over as Executive Producer. This follows the departure of Chris Clenshaw, whose influential tenure is set to conclude with his final episode credit airing this Friday. Speaking candidly about the transition, Colin Salmon – well-known for his role as the Knight family patriarch – has expressed enthusiasm about the current state of the programme, describing it as being in a “very good place”.
Clenshaw’s period at the helm is widely acknowledged for revitalising the soap, introducing several dramatic storylines and pushing for on-screen innovation. Under his guidance, the show welcomed back legacy characters such as Cindy Beale, delivered emotionally charged plots like the award-winning ‘Loving and Losing Lola’ arc, and introduced the Knight family as the first black and mixed-heritage household to manage the iconic Queen Vic pub. This era saw both a nod to EastEnders’ rich history and a commitment to greater inclusivity.
Colin Salmon, whose portrayal of the Knight family head has been met with acclaim, remarked on the vibrancy behind the scenes and the shared effort among cast and crew. “There’s great writing, and we all work really hard,” he commented. “The humour you see is genuine East End spirit – no matter what comes at you, you deal with it. Eventually, it all comes back around, just like in real life. It’s fantastic for us at the moment.”
Salmon’s positivity about the soap was echoed by his on-screen wife, Harriet Thorpe, who plays Elaine Peacock. Thorpe highlighted Ben Wadey’s creative approach and strong collaborative ethos, suggesting he is well-placed to steer EastEnders forward after Clenshaw’s successes. “Ben is wonderful. He’s creative, collaborative, and that is exactly what you need,” she observed.
Diversity continues to be a priority for the series, with a cast representing a wide variety of backgrounds. Salmon hinted that one of Wadey’s focuses will be to further elevate younger talent, bringing fresh narratives to the forefront. “It’s great seeing the youngsters being given their moment – they’re all brilliant, truly talented actors,” he said, affirming the show’s commitment to introducing new perspectives alongside established favourites.
Ben Wadey’s appointment signals the return of a familiar face, as he previously served as EastEnders’ Story Editor. His earlier contributions included working on the soap’s 35th anniversary and a notable episode exploring Linda Carter’s struggle with alcoholism. More recently, Wadey moved to Channel 4, where he was instrumental in overseeing Hollyoaks and a variety of original drama projects, acquiring further experience in contemporary television.
Upon his return to EastEnders, Wadey expressed deep gratitude and anticipation for leading a programme that has not only shaped British television but also inspired his own career in the industry. “Having grown up watching EastEnders, it ignited my passion for television,” he said. “To now have the opportunity to guide its next chapter is an incredible privilege. I can’t wait to work with the outstanding team to deliver stories that will captivate long-time fans and new viewers alike.”
The response from the EastEnders community has been predominantly upbeat, with many hopeful that Wadey’s mix of nostalgia for the show and proven track record in bold storytelling will serve the soap well as it continues to compete in an evolving TV landscape. Maintaining balance between legacy characters and fresh directions is considered crucial for the show’s sustained appeal and relevance.
In summary, EastEnders finds itself at a juncture marked by creative energy and collaborative optimism. As Chris Clenshaw’s impactful leadership comes to a close and Ben Wadey steps into the spotlight, cast and crew alike are unified in their commitment to keeping the drama of Albert Square both compelling and true to its roots. Fans can expect new developments and, if recent history is any indication, plenty more twists that reflect the complexity and resilience of the East End spirit.