dannigold

It looks like Pete Mattessi has resigned from EE according to his twitter account.

It's interesting that they did a direct swap. Claire leaving Eastenders for Hollyoaks, and Caroline leaving Hollyoaks for EastEnders.

Eastenders do not usually make announcements about changes to the storyline and production team. The last one I can remember was when John Yorke came back and fired Kathleen Hutchison, and brought back Tony Jordan and Nigel Taylor in 2005.

I think she worked in the storyline department at Hollyoaks under Brian Kirkwood.

Claire Fryer has finally been replaced at Eastenders, with Carolone Roby as joint Series story editor. She was one of the producers Paul Marquess fired at the beginning of the year.

Four more to leave 'Hollyoaks'

Hollyoaks is to lose another handful of familiar faces over the coming months as four more actors prepare to leave the soap.

John Pickard - real-life brother to co-star Nick Pickard (Tony Hutchinson) - will bow out of the Channel 4 soap as chef Dom Reilly toward the end of the year at around the same time as Ashley Slanina Davies, who portrays mum-of-two Amy Barnes.

Glenn Wallace is also due to film his final scenes as Malachy Fisher, while Garnon Davies's swansong as sci-fi supergeek Elliot Bevan comes within the same few weeks.

Little is known about their respective departures but it has been confirmed that storyliners are busy planning their exit plots.

Speaking of his decision to leave, Glen Wallace told DS: "I've had such an amazing time up here in Liverpool at Hollyoaks and I've learnt so much both personally and professionally - but I'm a great believer in gut instinct and I just think it's time for me to move on and find the next challenge, the next story to be part of and the next family to join..."

Speaking of his decision to leave, Pickard said: "I've really enjoyed my time on Hollyoaks and I shall be very sad to leave, but after five years, it's definitely time to move on. I've loved working with Nick and it's been great living in the North - Liverpool is such a great city and we've both made friends for life up here. I'll really miss the social side of this job because the people really have made it all the more fun. Dom has been such a great character to play but now I'm looking forward to taking on new roles."

Garnon Davies commented: "It's very strange to think that after four years I'll be leaving this place. It's been such a great experience and I've loved every minute - everybody says it but Hollyoaks really is a great place to work. I've made some amazing friends in the cast and crew and I'll miss them all. I'm not sure that I'll miss Elliot's geeky glasses and that damn woolly hat but I will miss Elliot - he's been a fantastic character to play and I will look back on this experience with very fond memories".

A show source told DS: "We're all sad to be losing yet more friends from the cast but everyone acknowledges that actors want to move on to pursue other roles."

They added: "Nothing's been firmed up yet storyline-wise but one thing's for sure, they'll all be memorable exits."

I dont know about Lee Hardman, but Claire Fryer is still listed on the EastEnders credits.

I think they were Danny Mitchell's first episodes.

I think Lee Salisbury directed EastEnders, once earlier this year.

The Vic in flames

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1291684/Is-moment-Queen-Vic-goes-flames.html

I am still dying to know who the new story producer will be.

Kris Green joins 'EastEnders' team

Digital Spy soaps editor Kris Green is to join the production team of EastEnders next month.

Kris, who has been with DS for more than seven years, will work as part of a new team of storyliners at the soap. The role will see Kris help develop future story arcs, in addition to storylining specific episodes.

Bryan Kirkwood, EastEnders executive producer, said of Kris's appointment: "If anyone knows what it takes to make a good soap storyline, it's Kris Green. He has been the audience's representative on Digital Spy for the last 7 years, so it's a real coup to have him on board the EastEnders storylining team. I'm really looking forward to working with him."

Neil Wilkes, Editor of Digital Spy, said: "I am terribly sad to see Kris leave us after all this time but couldn't be happier for him in landing this new role. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank him publicly for being an instrumental part of developing not only our soaps offering but also the shape of DS at large over the last decade. He's going to be an amazing addition to the 'Enders team - and if he has any sense, his first order of business will be to lobby for the return of Dr. Legg."

Kris said: "The past seven years with Digital Spy have been nothing short of incredible. It's been a privilege to work alongside such a hardworking and dedicated group of people who I'm proud to call my friends. In particular, I'd like to thank Neil Wilkes and James Welsh for affording me such a vast opportunity from the outset. I'll miss DS tremendously.

"I'd like to thank press officers, cast members, producers and most importantly readers for their continued support over the years.

"However, I'm so honoured to be joining the story team at EastEnders and to be working alongside some of the greatest minds in continuing drama. EastEnders is a national institution and I can't wait to embark on this exciting new challenge."

Daniel Kilkelly, Digital Spy's longest-serving reporter, will replace Kris as soaps editor from mid-July.

They just promoted Justin Young from within Holby City, to replace Tony Mchale as head writer.

I think that job listing was for a deputy storyliner.

They could promote from within. E20's story consultant was Matt Evans or maybe even Daran Little. They also have Peter Mattessi who worked on storylines for Neighbours.

This might explain when they were advertising for a deputy storyliner.

I think it is correct. From Daisy Coulam's twitter

looking forward to @dominictc EE leaving drinks this eve. Will attempt not to get so drunk that I have to be escorted home this time.

I do not have this confirmed, but there are lots of rumours that today is Dominic Treadwell Collin's last day at EE.

From Kris Green's twitter

Simon Ashdown's episode of EastEnders next week is excellent. Writing for Stacey, Max, Ryan and Janine is superb.

This is the synopsis and credits for Bryan's first solo week of episodes.

Monday 21st June 1 hour episode

Lucy plays a dangerous game with Adam but is caught red-handed by Ian. Liz gets the wrong end of the stick with Patrick, and Libby battles her feelings when she sees Darren and Jodie happy together. Ronnie has a plan when Glenda gets under Peggy's feet at the Vic, and Stacey's world is shattered by a straight-talking Janine.

Writer - Rachel Flowerday

Director - Steve Finn

Executive Producer - Bryan Kirkwood

Wednesday 23 June - Written as an hour long episode

Max follows his heart straight to Tanya but is stunned when she reveals her news, in the latest visit to Walford.

Meanwhile, Vanessa tries hard to stay on top of her double life and keep her husband sweet.

When a frantic Stacey goes into labour, the only person she doesn't want to see is the one person who ends up being there for her.

Writer - Simon Ashdown

Director - Steve Finn

Executive Producer - Bryan Kirkwood

If anybody's interested, I have just found the first two episodes of EastEnders on youtube.

http://www.youtube.com/user/Duty281Returns#p/u/5/37GqXbEpE5I

Here is the video of Rita Simons

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xdmkf0_rita-simons_people

I have just watched a video with Rita Simons, who revealed that she has just filmed scenes with Sam Womack, dealing with Archie raping Ronnie.

Drug addiction plot for 'Enders character

EastEnders hardman Phil Mitchell is to develop an addiction to crack cocaine in a forthcoming storyline, it has emerged.

The Walford tough guy - played by 51-year-old Steve McFadden - becomes hooked on the drug after troubles in his personal life lead to a battle with depression.

Phil, who has already experienced an ongoing alcohol problem throughout his time on the Albert Square soap, has turbulent times ahead as he faces the prospect of losing his daughter Louise (Brittany Papple). As previously announced, Louise's mum Lisa (Lucy Benjamin) is making a one-off return to the programme later this year in a bid to retrieve the child.

Meanwhile, Phil's son Ben (Charlie Jones) is already known to be taking a temporary exit from the serial before returning with a new actor playing the part. Details of how he will depart are currently being kept under wraps, but it is thought that the circumstances will be dramatic.

Confirming the drug addiction plot, a BBC spokeswoman said: "EastEnders has a history of tackling social issues. We are working closely with drug and alcohol charities, including Addaction and DrugScope to make sure that we sensitively reflect this difficult issue."

Speaking to The Mirror, a Walford insider added: "Bosses thought long and hard about the storyline. It will be shocking, powerful and dramatic. At no point will viewers see Phil take drugs to ensure the episodes are suitable for the audience."

DrugScope's chief executive Martin Barnes predicted that the hard-hitting story is likely to have a positive impact. He said: "If EastEnders sensitively reflect the impact that drug use has on Phil, it could help."

The plotline is expected to air in the summer.

Westbrook reprises 'EastEnders' role

Actress Danniella Westbrook will once again return to EastEnders as Sam Mitchell, Digital Spy can confirm.

The 36-year-old - who recently finished fourth in this year's series of Dancing On Ice - makes her comeback in the summer for a handful of episodes.

Little is known about the circumstances surrounding Sam's reappearance in Walford, other than that she is released from prison harbouring grudges and "a big secret".

It is thought her return will coincide with Barbara Windsor's departure as Peggy Mitchell, after 15 years in the role.

Executive producer Bryan Kirkwood this afternoon told Digital Spy: "When Sam Mitchell is in Albert Square, trouble is never far behind. We last saw her heading for a stretch in prison and ostracised by her family. When she returns on her release, it's with a lot of grudges and a big secret."

He continued: "Danniella brings a lot of fun and mischief to the role of Sam and I'm looking forward to having her back where she belongs."

Westbrook reprised her role as Sam in April last year. On screen, the Mitchells attempted to hide her from the police but the law quickly caught up with her when she was arrested for trying to flee the country again.

While rekindling her romance with Ricky, Sam also had an affair with Jack Branning. She then became embroiled with Archie, who convinced her to skip bail and ultimately cause the Mitchells to lose The Vic.

She made a surprise return on Christmas Day ahead of Archie's murder and quickly became a suspect. However, on hearing her mother Peggy and brother Phil's plan to use her as a scapegoat, Sam turned herself in to the police.

In a final showdown with her mother, Sam rejected her mother and made it clear that she had no interest in the Mitchell name.

Coronation Street' pulled for third day

ITV soap Coronation Street has been postponed for a third consecutive day, it has been announced.

The commercial broadcaster's decision to pull the soap's Siege Week episodes from its schedules comes as the Cumbrian shooting massacre continues to dominate headlines.

Harry Hill's The Best of TV will once again be sandwiched between Britain's Got Talent's live performance and results shows.

ITV this afternoon announced its schedules for the remaining episodes of Coronation Steet's Siege Week.

Monday, June 7

7.30pm - Coronation Street (30 mins) - Should have aired on Wednesday, June 2 at 9pm

8.30pm - Coronation Street (30 mins) - Should have aired on Thursday, June 3 at 9pm

Wednesday, June 9

8pm - Coronation Street (30 mins) - Should have aired on Friday, June 4 at 9pm

8.30pm - Coronation Street (30 mins) - Should have aired on Monday, June 7 at 7.30pm

Will air together as an hour-long edition

Thursday, June 10

7pm - Emmerdale (1 hour) - Should have aired the same night but separately at 7pm and 8pm

8pm - Coronation Street (30 mins) - Should have aired on Monday, June 7 at 8.30pm

8.30pm - Coronation Street (30 mins) - Is airing at its normal time. At this point, Corrie is back in sync.

Will air together as an hour-long edition

Friday, June 11

7.30pm - Coronation Street (30 mins) - Airs as normal

8.30pm - Coronation Street (30 mins) - Airs as normal