EastEnders exploring ‘uncharted territory’ as exciting future under new boss is revealed

Kate Oates has teased what’s ahead for Ben Wadey’s stint as EastEnders exec (Picture: Stuart Wilson/BAFTA/Getty Images for BAFTA) EastEnders boss Ben Wadey will take the BBC soap into ‘uncharted territory’ following his appointment as Executive Producer. Ben previously worked as a Storyliner and Story Editor on the serial, focussing on the show’s 35th anniversary and introducing the Panesar clan. He was also Story Producer on the final series of Holby City, before becoming the commissioning executive at Channel 4. In February, he took charge of EastEnders from the much-celebrated Chris Clenshaw, who departed following the 40th anniversary episodes. It usually takes a while to see a new producer’s ideas come into fruition, but Ben’s forthcoming stint has already received significant recognition from Kate Oates, the Beeb’s Head of Continuing Drama. This comes following a huge scoop for the show, which took home the gong for Best Soap and Continuing Drama at last night’s BAFTA TV Awards. EastEnders took home the award for Best Soap last night (Picture: John Phillips/BAFTA/Getty Images for BAFTA) Kate has said Ben’s tenure will be a ‘challenge’ – but he will enter ‘uncharted territory’ (Picture: Alan Chapman/Dave Benett/Getty Images) On the red carpet, Kate teased what was ahead. ‘We can tease that all those heartland characters have some really, really big stuff coming up, actually,’ she said. ‘We’ve got some uncharted territory, which considering we’re following on the heels of Mr Clenshaw is quite an accolade, because he has broken quite a lot of fresh ground.’ Continuing to RadioTimes, Kate added: ‘I think the challenge for Ben – who is our new exec – has been to carry on after Chris’s success, but he is very much ready to do that and we’re excited as a team. ‘We’re going to miss Chris terribly, but we’re also really excited for what’s to come.’ Chris (third from right) is leaving after three years (Picture: Dave Benett/BAFTA/Getty Images for BAFTA) Follow Metro Soaps on WhatsApp and get all the latest spoilers first! Want to be the first to hear shocking EastEnders spoilers? Who’s leaving Coronation Street? The latest gossip from Emmerdale? Join 10,000 soaps fans on Metro's WhatsApp Soaps community and get access to spoiler galleries, must-watch videos, and exclusive interviews. Simply click on this link, select ‘Join Chat’ and you’re in! Don't forget to turn on notifications so you can see when we've just dropped the latest spoilers! She also teased that another familiar face could be coming home to Albert Square. They will follow in the footsteps of Bianca Jackson (Patsy Palmer), David Wicks (Michael French), Nigel Bates (Paul Bradley) and Chrissie Watts (Tracy-Ann Oberman), who have all returned – alongside many other names – over the last year. Jean 'lonely and scared' after devastating EastEnders twist Harvey explodes in EastEnders family crisis but it gets so much worse All EastEnders spoilers for next week as sex scandal rocks Walford ‘If you like a return, I don’t think you’re going to be disappointed, because there’s potentially one on the cards’ she said. ‘There are some really big stories coming up and if it’s a return you’re after, then you might be interested in what’s on the horizon.’ But who could it be? EastEnders continues Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One and iPlayer. If you’ve got a soap or TV story, video or pictures get in touch by emailing us soaps@metro.co.uk – we’d love to hear from you. Join the community by leaving a comment below and stay updated on all things soaps on our homepage. Arrow MORE: Richard Gadd reveals enormous pressure of Baby Reindeer has been a ‘hurricane’ Arrow MORE: Danny Dyer’s explicit TV Baftas speech revealed after being axed from broadcast Arrow MORE: TV fans are livid after major BBC show’s ‘despicable’ Bafta Awards snub The Soaps Newsletter – Daily All the latest soaps spoilers and gossip, in your inbox every morning.

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