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Diederick Santer to step down in New Year.
Mon 2 Nov 2009

EastEnders' Executive Producer to move on after 25th Anniversary.

Breaking news...
Diederick Santer, is to step down as Executive Producer of EastEnders February 2010.

Diederick's achievements...
Since taking the reins as Executive Producer of EastEnders in October 2006, Diederick Santer has been credited with taking EastEnders to a new level of popularity, with brave new storylines such as Stacey's bipolar disorder. He's also created a diverse range of bold new characters, including the Masood family and the Mitchell sisters Ronnie and Roxy, as well as bringing back Ricky Butcher and Bianca Jackson and Walford’s original bad-girl, Sam Mitchell.

New additions to the show...
In addition, Diederick's most recent creation, EastEnders: E20, sees the launch of an online spin-off drama with a whole range of new characters to further heighten the show’s reach and appeal. Under his guidance EastEnders has continuously swept the board at awards ceremonies, including as Best Soap and Continuing Drama in the National Television, RTS, British Soap, Inside Soap and many other awards.

Who will replace him?
Bryan Kirkwood has a proven record of producing high quality drama having worked previously as a producer on Hollyoaks for three years. During which time the show enjoyed enormous popularity and scooped numerous awards. At the end of 2008 he went on to produce it’s sister show Hollyoaks Later. Prior to that, Kirkwood spent 10 years working on Coronation Street as a storyliner.

Bryan's thoughts.....
Bryan says of his appointment: "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."

Diederick Santer, a brief history...
Diederick BBC career started in 2000 when he produced the first three series of hairdressing drama Cutting It. He has also produced The Taming Of The Shrew, Jane Eyre and Much Ado About Nothing, which was nominated for a Bafta award.

Diederick Santer says of his departure: "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's new role...
Santer will continue to work for the BBC Drama Production as an Executive Producer with a special responsibility for developing new shows that can be internationally co-produced. The aim will be for him to develop dramas that can be made through BBC Drama Production in conjunction with BBC WorldWide Los Angeles.

BBC - EastEnders - News - Diederick Santer to step down in New Year.