Meet the new EP- Interview
It was announced last week that IanMandy would be replacing Lorraine Newman as Executive Producer for EastEnders. Yesterday's (Tuesday 4th June) saw EastEnders bring in its lowest ratings this year and IanMandy hopes that he will be able to turn the show around. Drastic action has been taken ahead of his first episode on Friday as episodes have been rewritten and major cast changes made in an attempt to save the BBC's flagship show.
Can I just remind everyone that the questions are the same ones LN answered last year though some have been tweaked to suit present times
How are you finding the new job so far?
"I love it! I think its a real honour to be trusted not only with a major soap, especially one that has been losing viewers recently. I have lots of big plans for the show which I hope will bring back viewers. I am in the process of tempting some big names back to the show whilst in the process moving the show forward with some fresh characters. Hopefully, new blood will be in the square by the end of the year.
What can you tell us about your overall vision for EastEnders? Are there any particular changes or differences that you'd like the viewers to notice as your episodes continue coming through?
"I think the key to moving the show on is to strike a balance. My vision for the show is to take it back to its roots but at the same time, take it forward. History is very important to the show and is familiar to long term viewers but at the same time, we are in 2013 so the show needs to progress.
Something else that we need to ensure is balanced is the drama/warmth of he show. Its no good dominating the soap with sensationalist plots as it makes the show less believable- but too much warmth makes it boring. I have some of the gritty drama that EastEnders is known for planned and the character of Denise is going to be involved in a racism plot in the future. However, we do have some happier stories planned. Tamwar is going to get a bit of happiness back in his life which I think is well deserved. So its all about balance.
What do you feel is the current public perception of EastEnders, and is there anything about that perception that you'd like to change during your time as executive producer?
"I have seen that quite a few fans are switching off at the moment so my main aim is to get them back in. Ratings are dropping so I hope I can get them back in.
Lorraine has done a great job building the community spirit but I want to show that EastEnders isn't just light and fluffy. Hopefully, the show will become great once again!"
Can you give us any gossip on any upcoming storylines that the audience doesn't already know?
" Well, obviously I can't give too much away but I have some interesting stories coming up. I really want to address current social issues and real issues, such as Carol's menopause and maturing Ian. At the same time, we will be seeing some big plots and we have some upcoming exits which hopefully will become that of soap legend.'
Are we going to see any secrets come out soon?
"Oh, definitely. Of course, secrets don't stay that way in Albert Square so we'll have some real drama. [In my last fanfic, readers may remember that I did a 'Who's the mother' story with Lola discovering her true maternity] We may even have one of EE's famous soap mysteries- last year we had 'Who's Kat's lover?' and 'Who's stalking Phil?' the year before. I will confirm that one of our current characters will be involved in one of these but thats all I'm saying at this stage."
With Jo Joyner leaving EastEnders, are you able to say how Tanya will depart screens?
"Tanya's departure will air soon but I won't say how she leaves- I'll leave it as a surprise for the viewers but I'm sure that it will do Jo justice."
How have you found working with Claire Perkins?
"I think she is amazing, she is lovely off screen and a great actress on it. Ava and Claire have both been great additions and I really am looking forward to developing her character, especially once Tanya leaves."
Which family will be at the center of this year's Christmas episode?
"Big plots are currently in the works and I think this year's Christmas special will be a very satisfying one. I can confirm that the Watts family will be taking center stage this year and with Jessie Cave arriving as Vicki Fowler, there are fireworks to be expected. And with any luck, December will see a character connected to the Watts back on the square.'
We know Joey will be leaving later this year. How will he go? And will Alice join him?
David has never intended to stay long so we both agreed that, after a year with some pretty big stories, it was the right time to leave. Unfortunately, that will mean the end of 'Jauren' but it will allow Lauren to grow as a person, having lost the boy she loved for good. Meanwhile, Alice will be sticking around- she plays a key role in the Michael/Janine feud and we will see her grow as a character as a result of her experiences. She will encounter a few shady people as time goes on but will learn to stand up for herself.
What is next for Carol and Bianca?
"I really enjoy both characters and they have such an interesting dynamic- I think its helped that the audience has been allowed to see this develop on screen Bianca's poverty storyline is very relevant though she has moved on. However, both remain working class women and in fact Carol represents the typical working class mother.
Carol, Bianca and the rest of the Butcher/Jacksons will have some stories coming up and will allow both women to show their talents. In addition, I think its time that Bianca developed the poverty stricken woman of today and regain her business brain and ambition that she once had- there will be a revisit to the storyline when she worked at Booty's- and hopefully will allow her to return to her former glory.
Recent new arrivals for the show have nearly always been extensions of existing characters and families. Would you consider bringing in an entirely new family during your time as executive producer?
"There will be new faces heading to Walford soon, and bringing in entirely new blood will occur later this year as we have a new family joining the cast - it's important for the future of the show. It's great to bring back old faces but it is the new ones that keep the show fresh."
After bringing back Sharon this year, are there any more major returns on the cards?
"Again, I think its important that we keep that balance between old and new. We should definitely be looking forward and work out which way to take the show next but a bit of history helps keep the show familiar. There will be some returns though not particularly big names- Mandy Salter will be returning in July. I think having more low key returns is better than huge ones as there is a bigger risk of a public backlash if a bigger name isn't being written the way they should.
Having said that, this year will see at least one big return as we know Ronnie Mitchell is returning to screen whilst an EastEnders legend will be returning in the latter part of the year- but you'll have to wait to find out who!"
When we asked for reader questions, there were lots about Kat's storyline. As Kat has treated Alfie so badly recently, viewers are keen to know whether she'll get a proper comeuppance for everything she's done?
"The character of Kat Moon is one who example of a big name who hasn't been a total success, which is why I am reluctant to bring in too many. However, I feel that the time has come to move er on in her story- she will receive a comeuppance which will have ramifications for the Moons but will cause Kat to progress as a person."
Viewers have been very vocal about Kat's character being bogged down by so many infidelity storylines, and there has been quite a bit of criticism of the latest affair plot. Is this something you're aware of, and are there any plans to address it?
"The Kat we have seen since her return is very different to the one we saw when she left and I think its time for her to move on. I think its still possible to boost her as a character but she must learn from her mistakes. I have yet to decide whether she gets back with Alfie- he is the love of her life and no other man can compare- but if not, then we can certainly see a real strength arise, like a phoenix from the ashes. "
We noticed that many viewers enjoyed the chemistry between Alfie and Roxy. Would you revisit this storyline?
"Roxy and Alfie have a very natural chemistry and I believe that he will grow to love her as much as he loves Kat. As I said, I don't know which way it will go but its clear so far that Alfie misses Kat. Maybe he will finally get over her?"
Viewers still see the Beale family as a really important part of the show. Are there any plans to continue rebuilding them, even after Peter returns?
"I see the Beales as the family that represent EastEnders the most. They were created with the original values of the show in mind and both Adam Woodyatt and Hetti Bywater have done great. However, the Beales were originally a big family and I think Ma Beale would turn in her grave if she knew that her great clan had now reduced to three.
I'd like to bring the Beales back to the forefront again and maybe bring Bianca back into the mix as she is Ian's niece. I'd also like to join both the Beale and Fox clan together to form a modern age Beale/Fowler family like the old days.
Even after Peter and Vicki come back, its very possible that another member may return or even be created."
The Brannings have had a lot of screen time this year. Can we expect more equal screen time for the other families in the show?
"I do think that the Branning family have had a lot f focus recently, though this is mainly due to the sheer size of it as most characters are connected in some way to the Brannings. EastEnders is an ensemble show so I am hoping to maintain a balance between all the clans- Brannings, Beales, Mitchells, Watts and others."
What is in store for the Masoods now that they are reduced to Masood, AJ and Tamwar?
"The Masoods are an incredibly popular family and Zainab's exit has left a big hole in the clan but that's not the end of the road for them. Tamwar has a story coming up in which his depression will become addressed and he befriends an older woman- the mother of the new family- who also suffers from depression due to her own problems so it will be an interesting story.
Masood is already in a romance with Carol Jackson and AJ will be on hand to support his brother.
With the departures of Ben, Christian and Syed, will you be bringing in new gay characters,?
Well Danny Pennant will be arriving on Friday and there is a possibility that he may have a romance
We often see feedback from fans who want to see more of Denise and Patrick. Can you tell us what's ahead for them? Will does the future hold for Denise and Ian?
"Patrick is one of the soap's longest serving actors as well as one of the most talented. He works very well with the Fox sisters and he will be involved in a storyline where Denise becomes the victim of racial abuse.
As for Ian and Denise, though Mandy is coming back, I can confirm that they will stay together (though understandably there will be strain as Ian and Mandy did not part on good terms). We shall have to see what the future holds for them- maybe Denise will be the fifth Mrs Beale?
Sharon's return has been quite low-key since her first week back on screen. What can you tell us about her long-term story arc? Will there be any references to Vicki and Michelle in her future scripts?
"Sharon's addiction storyline is one that will play out over time and will be the reason as to why Vicki comes back. This will lead on to another plot which will provide lots of drama and will be the center of Christmas 2013.
I know some viewers would like to see Sharon back with Phil but I'd like her to stay single for a while so we can see the independent, strong Sharon we know and love. But Phil will always have a presence in her life that could attract her.
Will Shirley be tied in with the Mitchells' stories or go in a new direction? Is a return for her family on the cards?
"I think the murder of her best friend is the last straw, there's no way Shirley could go back to Phil after that. I think she has now cut her ties from them though she will bond with another ex Mitchell; Jay."
Does Phil actually love Shirley?
"I don't think so- he cared for her as a friend but his heart has never truly laid with her- Sharon has always been the third person in that relationship."
What's coming up for Lola now that she has gotten Lexi back?
"We have seen Lola mature from the young delinquent who first appeared to the loving mother of today. Danielle has been great and she'll be taking a backseat for now whilst she bonds with her daughter- but Danielle has proven capable of handling a big story and so she will most definitely be getting another. "
It's quite a way off yet, but we've had lots of questions about Mandy's return. Can you give us any early hints on what the plans are?
"When Mandy came back in 2011, she was a blast for the past and it was a shame she left when she did. Initially a teenage tearaway, Mandy will come back having become 'honest Mandy' as she said to Phil. I won't reveal too much but I have a feeling Mandy is going to cause a bit f trouble when she returns."
Are there more storylines on the way for Jay and Abi?
"Jay and Abi's relationship has proven popular with viewers so they will definitely be featuring in some stories. I think their relationship is proof that there can be happiness in the square- but will have its own dramas!"
What are the plans for Poppy now that she's sticking around in Walford?
"Poppy is a breath of fresh air and brings a bit of colour to Walford. She has become less dippy over time, but still caring and these represent a nice person. Rachel is a great asset to the show and there will be some stories coming up for her."
We've recently seen a refurbishment upstairs at the Queen Vic. Are there any more set revamps on the way? Also, a lot of fans would like to see The Vic right back at the heart of the Walford community again - do you agree?
"I completely agree, the Vic is the heart of the square and there will be a lot more action taking place. What I would like to do is renovate the market stalls as many are falling apart"
The younger characters on EastEnders have recently come in for some criticism in the press and among viewers. Do you think there was any truth in claims they were too prominent earlier in the year? Do you feel any of those characters need more work to make them more likeable to the viewers?
"Young people have always been an integral part of the show but there has been an increase. What I would also like is maybe an older male, a friend for Patrick."
We often see comments on the forums from viewers who want the younger characters to have more storylines outside of their relationships, and to perhaps show more ambition. Is that something you'd take on board?
"I totally agree although a major problem would be the logistics of having someone working away from the square- Ava is a teacher but is rarely in school so she can take part in the episode. However, Lucy and Abi are two examples of teenagers who do show ambition and this is something that I'd like to show.
I think that while building relationships is good, its almost defining the show so we do need to step away from that."
