This type of thing is why I'm glad for the producer change, although I know this may be that Collins guy, not Santer, and Kirkwood may do the same stuff when he arrives. Anyway, it's just a cheat.

Why is EastEnders doing this to one of their most talented leading men? I swear, soaps on both sides of the Atlantic are determined to self-destruct. There is nothing we fans can do to stop these producers and headwriters. I want to give them the benefit of the doubt and think that the actor is already planning to leave, but this feels like violence for violence sake.

I think it's shock value. The show is willing to sacrifice characters for a ratings boost, or more press attention. Lucas could have been a long-term character, especially with his conflicts between religion and his more violent impulses, but instead they just make him a knockoff of Richard Hillman.

The woman who played Yolande Trueman complained about her firing, and how they dumped her as soon as they brought in several other black cast members, like they felt they'd filled their quota. Given the shoddy way they've treated Lucas, and the even worse way that his ex, Trina, and Bradley's girlfriend, Syd, were treated, I can see her point.

http://www.heralddeparis.com/eastender-clements-leaves-soap/63109

EastEnder Clements leaves soap

By Wire News Sources on November 13, 2009

EastEnders' Charlie Clements

Charlie Clements - Bradley Branning in EastEnders - is to leave the soap next year, the BBC has confirmed.

The 22-year-old, who made his first appearance on Albert Square in 2006, said it was "time to move on and take on some new roles".

Best known for his short-lived marriage to Stacey Slater, property salesman Bradley has been promised "a big exit" by executive producer Diederick Santer.

"Charlie has given us four years of fantastic performances," he said.

"I know viewers will miss him hugely, just as all of us who have worked with him will miss him too."

‘Fantastic storylines’

Clements, who appeared in The Bill prior to his EastEnders debut, said he would "always be grateful" to the BBC soap.

"I have had the privilege of working with some wonderful people whilst being given some fantastic storylines," he continued.

According to the Mirror, Branning will be briefly reunited with Stacey before his departure in February.

Veteran actress Barbara Windsor - Peggy Mitchell in the long-running soap - will also be leaving EastEnders in 2010.

Mr Santer is also set to step down next year as the show celebrates its 25th anniversary.

This article is from the BBC News website. © British Broadcasting Corporation, The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.

Edited November 13, 200916 yr by Y&RWorldTurner

I'll miss him, he was a very underrated actor (and quite attractive - I like redheads). He was great during the Stax reveal. They never gave him much of a chance.

Oh cool, Bryan Kirkwood is the new EP??! Sweet! I will definitely tune in to see what he does with EE. I guess I should start watching now in anticipation of BK's arrival. Santer is stepping down in February, and I'm assuming that's off screen.....so when will Santer's material end/BK's material start?

From DigitalSpy:

Peggy Mitchell 'will not be killed off'

Barbara Windsor's EastEnders character Peggy Mitchell will reportedly not be killed off when she leaves the soap.

The 72-year-old actress recently announced that she is to quit the show in order to spend more time with husband Scott Mitchell.

She is, however, apparently keen to reprise the role in 2012, The Sun claims.

A source told the newspaper: "Barbara has such a fondness for Peggy that she genuinely wants to play her again.

"She doesn't want the character killed off. Producers understand that."

The source went on to say that Windsor may return full-time, but is more likely to come back for "special storylines".

She certainly has a lot of power over her character.

I don't see the point of special stories or appearances once she's gone. I guess she could show up for weddings or whatever but none of the Mitchells who are left on the show seem likely to have interesting relationships or weddings.

I love it that she will be back for special appearances! I disagree that there's no point in her coming back occasionally. I see it as kind of like how Ethel would come back to visit Dot -- those were such warm fuzzy moments.

I love it that she will be back for special appearances! I disagree that there's no point in her coming back occasionally. I see it as kind of like how Ethel would come back to visit Dot -- those were such warm fuzzy moments.

I liked those, but I don't see those types of relationships with Peggy and the dead end Mitchells. I guess there's still Pat.

I guess it just comes down to for me, I can't see how it's ever pointless for a mother to visit her child, no matter how strained the relationship.

Aren't we always complaining on American soaps about how so-and-so's obscure mother (far less central a figure than Peggy Mitchell) didn't show up for their funeral, engagement, wedding, or when they were having a bad time?

Edited November 22, 200916 yr by jfung79

I guess it just comes down to for me, I can't see how it's ever pointless for a mother to visit her child, no matter how strained the relationship.

Aren't we always complaining on American soaps about how so-and-so's obscure mother (far less central a figure than Peggy Mitchell) didn't show up for their funeral, engagement, wedding, or when they were having a bad time?

The main difference here for me is that the Mitchells have just been so played out as characters, or I don't care about their relationships enough to where I need to see her return. Phil has been married four or five times, and all of those relationships have ended badly. His last wife abused his son and committed suicide on their wedding day! If Peggy skipped the next wedding, I'd understand.

Since Sam is gone, Peggy's only other relatives are Roxy, who is not worth bringing anyone back for, and Ronnie, who has such mental problems I can't see her settling down anytime soon. And Billy, but Peggy has never seen him as one of the family.

Eastenders hasn't had a problem keeping some characters away in the past (we see nothing of Sharon now, even though Tish Dean has said she wouldn't mind a return).

I don't see a point for Peggy, or most of the Mitchell family, now.

Keep Ronnie, dump the rest.

I'm just watching July episodes, but it's plain that Syd has GOT to die!

Don't tell me if she does, I wish for her to die an unexpected, painful death!

Bradley Branning set for sensational EastEnders exit

Exclusive by Nicola Methven 13/11/2009

EastEnders star Charlie Clements, who plays loser in love Bradley Branning, has quit the soap.

The actor will leave in a sensational storyline to celebrate the show's 25th anniversary in February.

Bosses have promised that his exit will be one of the most memorable.

Before he leaves fans will be thrilled to hear that he briefly gets back together with ex-wife Stacey Slater.

Actor Charlie, 22, said last night: "I have been at EastEnders for nearly four years and I have enjoyed every minute with some fantastic storylines. But I feel that now is the time to take on some new roles."

Ginger Bradley's top plot came when his marriage to Stacey, played by Lacey Turner, was ruined by her affair with his dad Max.

Since then Stacey has battled with her bi-polar disorder, while Bradley has emigrated to Canada with new girlfriend Syd.

However, his new life abroad is short-lived. Last night an insider revealed: "Bradley's emigration only lasts for six weeks before he gets called back to Albert Square early next month because of a family crisis.

"It isn't long before he realises he still has feelings for Stacey and doesn't know what to do."

EastEnders boss Diederick Santer said: "Viewers will miss Charlie hugely and I can promise a big exit. I know he'll go on to great things."

"Sensational" makes me think they're killing him off. Boo.