EastEnders producer to step down

Bryan Kirkwood will succeed Diederick Santer as EastEnders Executive Producer.

Outgoing exec Diederick Santer

Fresh from a successful stint as the boss of Channel 4 teen saga Hollyoaks, Kirkwood will take over from Santer after the beeb’s flagship soap celebrates its 25th anniversary in February.

Kirkwood’s three year helming of Hollyoaks (2006-2009) saw the show enjoy awards success and soaring popularity. Hit storylines on his watch include a cot death affecting Tony and Mandy Hutchinson, Hannah’s anorexia and the formation of soap super couple ‘McDean’ (John Paul McQueen and Craig Dean).

Kirkwood has since overseen Hollyoaks Later. Prior to his time at Lime Television, he spent a few years on Coronation Street as a storyliner, where he developed a love and talent for storytelling and characterisation

“I’m a huge soap fan so for me to be the new Executive Producer of EastEnders is a dream come true. Diederick Santer has done an amazing job and I’ll be taking over a show at the top of its game – quite a daunting task but one I can’t wait to get started on.” – Bryan Kirkwood

Diederick Santer has been EastEnders Executive Producer since October 2006 and also sits on the board of BBC Drama Production.

Santer – alongside story producer Dominic Treadwell-Collins – has been credited with reviving EastEnders’ fortunes with storylines including Muslim character Syed Masood’s struggle to reconcile his faith and sexuality, Whitney’s sexual abuse, Stacey and Max’s affair, Ronnie’s secret daughter and Stacey’s bipolar disorder. He introduced the Mitchell Sisters and the Masood family, plus secured the long-awaited return of Ricky and Bianca.

Under his guidance the show has swept the board at awards ceremonies while ratings have either been stable or up year on year. He recently announced the launch of an online spin off, E20, to further heighten the show’s reach and appeal.

Santer will continue working for BBC Drama Production as an Executive Producer with a special responsibility for developing new shows that can be internationally co-produced, the beeb note.

“I’ve had the most fantastic time at EastEnders. It’s without doubt the best job in telly, and I’ve loved every minute of it. It’s a busy and challenging job so I’m now looking forward to becoming reacquainted with my family and friends.

 

“I’m grateful to all the people I’ve collaborated with over the last three years who work so hard and so creatively. It’s been a real pleasure to work with them and to get to know them, and I’m going to miss them all enormously.

 

“I’m delighted that I’m passing the show on to Bryan Kirkwood. He’s a vastly talented and original producer with a brilliant storylining mind. I’m confident that, under him, EastEnders will continue to thrive and to grow and to keep delivering the very best drama to its massive audience.” – Diederick Santer

John Yorke, BBC Controller Drama Production & New Talent, adds: “Diederick has presided over an incredibly strong period in the show’s history and demonstrated an instinctive mastery of what makes the programme such a success. Leaving EastEnders fighting fit and at the top of its game as it reaches its quarter century, he’ll be missed hugely by cast and crew. He’s going to be a very hard to act to follow but I’m confident Bryan is the right man for the job.”