Dominic Treadwell-Collins is stepping down as the executive producer of EastEnders, the BBC has announced. Dominic has been running the soap for two and a half years now, and has overseen some of its biggest storylines, including the introduction of the Carter family and last year's 30th anniversary live week.Sean O'Connor, who is the current editor of The Archers, will be taking over the role in due course; Dominic will first oversee Barbara Windsor's last ever episode as Peggy Mitchell, as well as the highly-anticipated return of Ross Kemp.
© Photo: Getty ImagesDominic Treadwell-Collins has confirmed he is leaving EastEnders
In a statement, Dominic said: "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. I made the decision to leave back in the summer but decided to stay longer for two reasons. "Firstly, to oversee Peggy's last episodes, which will air in May. When Dame Barbara comes to you to produce her final episodes, you cannot say no. I left EastEnders with Peggy last time when she burnt down her Vic and it feels fitting that we will now leave permanently together. Secondly, I needed to find the right person to take over from me. 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.
© Photo: BBCDominic has overseen some big storylines, including the arrival of the Carter family
"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.”
