New ‘EastEnders’ boss John Yorke is reportedly plotting a cull of the current cast.
The acclaimed producer – who previously worked on ‘EastEnders’ from 1999 until 2002 – has been brought on board to transform the fortunes of the BBC soap, which has seen viewing figures decline over recent times, and he is apparently planning to revamp the cast and introduce some more dramatic storylines.
A source told the Daily Star newspaper: "John was responsible for some of the soap’s best storylines."
John reportedly plans to screen the death of a lead character, a family abuse storyline and even a shooting in a bid to resurrect the viewing figures, which slumped to 4.5 million last week.
What’s more, it’s been reported that the programme’s cast list of 90-odd regulars could be markedly reduced, while casting the likes of ex-Blue singer Lee Ryan is set to stop.
However, the BBC – which only announced John’s temporary appointment as creative director earlier this week following the departure of Sean O’Connor- has said he has not yet made any concrete decisions.
A spokesperson explained: "It is far too early for any decisions to have been made."
Meanwhile, it was recently claimed that Danny Dyer will be offered a contract extension by the new ‘EastEnders’ boss.
As well as wanting to keep Danny, who plays Queen Vic landlord Mick Carter, John is also keen to give Steve McFadden (Phil Mitchell) more big storylines and is hoping to bring back Jessie Wallace and Shane Richie as Kat and Alfie Moon.
John was responsible for introducing Kat and the rest of the Slater family to Walford.
A source explained: "He has a soft spot for the Slater family, so don’t be surprised if they figure prominently in his plans.
"His skill is getting an episode to build to a brilliant cliff-hanger which has been lost recently. He will be looking for real high-impact stories."
John Yorke ‘plotting cull of EastEnders cast’
