‘EastEnders’ boss Dominic Treadwell-Collins has announced he is to leave the BBC soap after two and half years.
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The Executive Producer, who has been credited with turning the soap around thanks to the likes of Live Week, will be replaced by ‘The Archers’ director Sean O’Connor.
Dominic Treadwell-Collins
Speaking about his decision to quit, he explained: "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.
Before his departure, Dominic will oversee Dame Barbara Windsor's final scenes as well as Ross Kemp's return to Albert Square.
Peggy's goodbye is sure to be an emotional one
He continued: "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.
"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."
Dominic’s replacement is no stranger to ‘EastEnders’, having previously acted as director, producer and story producer on the show.
Speaking about his new role, Sean, who currebtly works as director on ‘The Archers’, said: “Dominic hands over EastEnders in robust health. It’s a testament to his endless commitment, infectious enthusiasm and rich imagination that the programme remains BBC1’s flagship drama.
"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," he said.
"I loved my time working at EastEnders previously; there’s nothing quite as challenging nor as rewarding. So I feel very honoured to be asked back to lead the wonderful cast, crew and production team at Elstree."
Ross Kemp is reprising his role as Grant Mitchell
Earlier this month, Dominic revealed what it took to get Ross Kemp to agree to comeback to 'EastEnders', admitting that it wasn’t easy.
“I've had a lot of dinners with him trying to woo him to get him to come back, but he's so busy,” he explained. "And then finally, the stars have aligned… everyone at work's very excited about it.
"It's gonna be epic. It's got to be epic… everyone's got such high expectations for it."