EastEnders boss quits following falling ratings – Daily TV round-up

'EastEnders' executive producer Lorraine Newman has quit the show after it reported some of its lowest ever ratings.

Newman, who was appointed in June last year, saw viewers plummet from over 10 million two years ago to just below five million last week.

The show has been criticised in recent months for a lack of engaging storylines when compared to its main rivals 'Coronation Street' and 'Emmerdale', both on ITV.

Producer Dominic Treadwell-Collins will fill her spot, who was executive producer on the show three years ago during a more successful period.

[David Wicks confirmed for EastEnders return]

Newman, who began as a secretary on the show, will move to BBC Drama Production.

“Lorraine has been responsible for some of the most memorable moments EastEnders history. I’d like to thank her for her service,” said BBC drama boss Ben Stephenson.

It's hoped that a raft of returning characters will reinvigorate the soap, as well as the recently-filmed £1 million car crash stunt that will leave Phil Mitchell with life-threatening injuries.

The crash will see the brief return of Peggy Mitchell, played by Barbara Windsor, who will rush to Phil's bedside from her home in Portugal.

[For more news and blogs, visit our EastEnders page]

Also returning is 'Casualty' star Michael French's character David Wicks, who reappeared for his mother Pat's funeral last year.

Ronnie Mitchell, played by Samantha Womack, is also soon to be released from prison after she kidnapped Kat Slater's baby following the death of her own infant son.

It was one of the most controversial plots in the show's history, but disliked by many fans. [Daily Mirror]

Also in today's press

The first episode of the new series of 'The Great British Bake Off' descended into 'carnage', according to reports, as every one of the new contestants managed to cut themselves. An insider told The Sun: “It looked more like the set of a horror film than a cosy TV cookery show. I don’t think they realised just how sharp those knives are. Professional knives are so much sharper than what you’d use at home. The medics were rushing around trying to treat everyone. Paul (Hollywood) and Mary (Berry) looked shocked. They just couldn’t believe it.” [The Sun]

Griff Rhys Jones has admitted he and late comedy partner Mel Smith was far from 'a match made in heaven' and they actually had very little in common. “He loved a drink. I am teetotal. He never carried a credit card. I never have cash. He never went for a walk. I run ten miles a week. It is a long list,” he said. “But when it was good it was sheer bliss to perform with Mel.” Smith died on July 19 after suffering a heart attack. [Radio Times]

TV cook Rustie Lee is to join the cast of 'Benidorm'. Her character will reportedly take a shine to elderly swingers Donald and Jacqueline. “It's going to be quite a sight,” said a source. [Daily Star]