Lorraine Newman

Lorraine Newman

Lorraine Newman has quit as EastEnders' Executive Producer.

The boss of the BBC One soap - which is in the midst of a ratings dip after attracting less than five million viewers last week - is swapping Albert Square for the same position at the BBC's Drama Production after just 16 months in the role, but she is proud of her achievements on the programme.

Lorraine - who has occupied every editorial role on the show in the past 23 years - said in a statement: "I have loved every moment of my time at 'EastEnders' but it is finally time to leave Walford.

"Over the past 23 years I have been involved in some of the best moments on British television, from 'Who Shot Phil?', to 'You Ain't My Mother!', to the 25th Live Anniversary episode and in the past year, the Olympic Torch episode has also been a proud highlight.

"Over the past year, I have also had the pleasure of planning and implementing the revival of many of the 'EastEnders' clans who should always be at the heart of the show."

Lorraine was instrumental in attracting ex-cast members including Barbara Windsor - who plays Peggy Mitchell - Michael French (David Wicks) and Samantha Womack (Ronnie Mitchell) back for the autumn, but is confident her replacement, former 'EastEnders' producer Dominic Treadwell-Collins, will improve the programme.

She added: "I am confident that I am leaving the show in a stronger place and am sure that Dominic will continue to build upon this, taking the show to a new level. I am delighted to be joining BBC Drama Production as an Executive Producer and look forward to the new opportunities and projects this will bring."

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