‘EastEnders’ boss Oliver Kent is leaving the BBC.
Kent has decided to step down from his role as the Head of Continuing Drama for BBC Studios – a job which means he oversees ‘EastEnders’, Holby City’, ‘Casualty’ and ‘Doctors’ – after more than 20 years with the corporation to explore new career opportunities.
Mark Linsey, Chief Creative Officer for BBC Studios, has confirmed his departure and thanked Kent for his huge contribution to those shows and his commitment to making the BBC "more diverse and inclusive".
He told DigitalSpy: "We would like to thank Ollie for his significant contribution to BBC Studios’ continuing drama. Under his watch we have seen some huge programmes, fantastic storylines, incredible one-offs and numerous awards. During his time in role, he oversaw the successful win of two tenders, securing ‘Holby City’ and ‘Doctors’ within the BBC Studios portfolio. In addition, his commitment to making BBC Studios and our programmes more diverse and inclusive must be recognised and celebrated. We wish him all the best for the future."
Kent – who first joined the BBC in 1996 – also oversaw Scottish soap, ‘River City’, in the two years he had in the role.
Prior to his stint as Head of Continuing Drama, Kent had worked as the Executive Producer on ‘Holby City’ and ‘Casualty’ from 2013.
Former ‘Coronation Street’ boss Kate Oates recently took over as Senior Executive Producer on ‘EastEnders’, ‘Casualty’ and ‘Holby City’ and she will report to the new Head of Continuing Drama once a person has been appointed.
EastEnders boss Oliver Kent leaving the BBC
