New 'EastEnders' boss John Yorke has lifted a ban on the show's cast appearing in pantomimes.
EastEnders
Soap stars have historically turned to money-spinning productions as a means of boosting their earnings and John has decided to lift the ban on the 'EastEnders' cast accepting such roles in a bid to improve the overall mood on set.
A source said: "John has made it his mission to meet with disgruntled stars and find out what has gone wrong. He had a mountain to climb with some of them - but he's really had an effect and people are already much happier.
"His aim was to get some of the big names back onside and secure their futures - and his plan is working."
The ban on pantomimes left some members of the cast feeling annoyed and frustrated, with veterans actors like Adam Woodyatt - who plays the part of Ian Beale in the long-running soap - being one of few who have been allowed to appear in a production.
The source told The Sun newspaper: "One of the concessions was to give people the green light to take on pantos if they balance it with filming.
"The ban has always been a big bone of contention with many of the stars so it was a smart move."
Meanwhile, it was reported last month that John is plotting a cull of the current cast.
The acclaimed producer - who previously worked on 'EastEnders' from 1999 until 2002 - has been brought on board to transform the fortunes of the BBC soap, and he is apparently planning to revamp the cast and introduce some more dramatic storylines.