They say good things come to those who wait, and for EastEnders fans, it’s finally time to start feeling positive about the show again.
After months of anticipation following the announcement that Kate Oates has been appointed as the soap’s new boss, she’s been giving away a number of teasers on her plans and vision for the show in recent weeks.
With two successful stints at the helm of Emmerdale and Coronation Street on her CV, we’re excited. Very excited. Here’s a round-up of the many things she’s promised us so far:
1. More diversity
Despite previously setting the bar when it came to LGBTQ+ storytelling, EastEnders has come under fire for its lack of diverse characters in recent months. Fear not though, as Kate is fully aware of this and has been quick to reassure viewers that making the show more diverse again firmly at the top of her list.
When asked if there were plans to introduce more LGBTQ+ characters, Kate told The Sun: “Diversity is definitely high on the list. Watch that particular space.”
2. At least three big returns
We all know that the return-rumour mill goes into overdrive when a new producer takes over, but luckily, Kate does actually have form where big comebacks are concerned. On Emmerdale, she was responsible for bringing back Aaron Dingle and Robert Sugden (which has quite clearly paid off), while on Corrie, she came up with return storylines for a number of fan favourites, like Peter Barlow, Carla Connor, Rosie Webster and Toyah Battersby.
Thankfully, EastEnders fans can look forward to this luxury too, with some big returns promised next year. Although admittedly she “hasn’t made the calls yet”, Kate has confirmed that she is looking to bring back “two, possibly three” characters “in the first quarter of the new year”.
While no further information is available at the moment, we’ve definitely got a few requests…
3. No cast cull
Phew! While some of the more ruthless producers like to sharpen their axe and go on an axing spree upon joining, it doesn’t look like the EastEnders lot have too much to worry about. That’s because Kate has promised that she won’t be carrying out a big cast cull, in the same way that she didn’t when she joined Emmerdale or Coronation Street.
Ruling out a bloodbath, Kate said: “No-one will be going. I go with it when the story goes with it – I haven’t come in with a list of people to axe.” It looks like everyone can breathe easy… for now, anyway.
4. A big issue-based plot
She was the mastermind behind Bethany’s grooming ordeal on Corrie, David’s rape, and Aidan’s suicide, and so it will come as no surprise that Kate is bringing her strong story brain to Walford with her.
EastEnders has a rich history of responsibly tackling difficult social issues and yet we’ve waited most the year to be given one. Aside from Shakil’s knife crime plot, and Ruby’s very topical sexual consent story, the show has been treading water too much for too long with the engaging storylines few and far between. But insert Kate and that could all be about to change – at last!
Kate’s promised that there are talks of a big character-led issue story, saying, “there is definitely an issue in there to discuss”.
5. To tell more engaging stories
Not only has the new boss promised the aforementioned issue-based plot, but Kate is also hoping to tell more stories that really engage people as well.
She said: “I know that EastEnders is known for being gritty, but I just want to tell stories that I find engaging. That’s what I did on Emmerdale and Corrie, and hopefully now on EastEnders.”
6. Putting iconic families back at the centre
When it comes to respecting soap roots, it’s fair to say that Kate’s reputation precedes her. After taking over Emmerdale in 2013, Kate endeavoured to make better use of the show’s rural location – which she did. While on Coronation Street, she wanted to put stalwart Ken Barlow back to the forefront, which again, she did – bringing back his family and giving him more to do. She also rebuilt the Battersby sisters dynamic and allowed the Platts’ to take centre stage once more.
Encouragingly, it’s seeming like Kate has plans to apply the same treatment to EastEnders, which could be good news for the Fowlers, the Mitchells, and more importantly, the Beales – who have had an exceptionally quiet year.
“At Corrie I put the iconic families, like the Barlows and Platts, back at the heart of the show”, Kate said. “I think a similar approach is needed at EastEnders.”
7. Keep the Carters in The Vic
Her Corrie reign might have meant curtains for the McDonalds lengthy stint in The Rovers, but that doesn’t mean Kate has plans to boot the Carters out of The Vic. In fact, it transpires that Kate is a big fan of Mick and Linda, and while “she always wants to see them tested”, they could be pulling pints for a while yet.
“I like them in the Vic”, Kate explained. “I think Danny and Kellie are a brilliant soap pairing. They’ve got an amazing range because as well as the drama they’re capable of such warmth. I don’t have any kind of plans to shake that up.”
8. Big stories for Tiffany and Mel
Kate’s work won’t be hitting our screens until early next year, but there are already a few characters she has in her sights for when it does.
Admitting that she’s “picking up on stories that have already begun”, Kate confirmed big stories ahead for feisty females Tiffany Butcher and Mel Owen – and many more!
“We’ve got some good stuff for Tiffany with her having taken herself into a dark world”, she revealed. “Mel’s in a bit of a pickle which will pick up in the New Year. We’re going to be flexing Tamzin Outhwaite’s muscles a little bit so that’s exciting.”
9. An explosive end to Sheanu’s affair?
Kate may not have started the Sheanu (that’s Keanu and Sharon) affair story, but she may have been left to finish it – revealing that there is some explosive stuff still in the works. We already know that Phil is back by the time the festive season arrives, so is he about to discover what Sharon has been up to in his absence?
Kate was staying tight-lipped on that but has promised that there is some “good stuff on the Mitchell storyboard” and that it was “all very exciting”. Hmm, Phil may not see it like that but we’re looking forward to it all the same!
EastEnders continues on Thursday, November 8 at 7.30pm on BBC One.
Digital Spy Soap Scoop video – hit play below for all the latest EastEnders spoilers, as Bev’s evil intentions for Hayley’s baby are revealed and Max faces the possibility of losing Abi forever.
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