TV Gossip

EastEnders' executive producer Diederick Santer is stepping down as executive producer.

He took on the role in 2006, and has overseen controversial storylines dealing with such subjects as mental illness and paedophilia.

He was also responsible for introducing the Masood family and the Mitchell sisters, as well as bringing Ricky and Bianca back to the soap.

"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," said Santer.

He will move on to work as an executive producer at BBC drama, while former Hollyoaks head honcho Bryan Kirkwood will take over his EastEnders role.

"I'm a huge soap fan... it's a dream come true," revealed Kirkwood. "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."