EastEnders: Entire Ferreira family axed

Just one week after new EastEnders executive producer Kathleen Hutchison wielded the axe on Jill Halfpenny (Kate Mitchell), yet more casualties have now been confirmed.

Unsurprisingly, it was announced tonight that the entire Ferreira family are being dropped from the show early next year. Those included are Ameet Chana (Adi), Raji James (Ash), Ray Panthaki (Ronny), Pooja Shah (Kareena), Nabil Elouahabi (Tariq) and newcomer Jemma Walker (Sasha Perkins).

The family joined EastEnders just 16 months ago but are cited as one of the main reasons for its recent ratings decline.

"The acting ability of all of the talent has been outstanding over the past year and we would like to thank them for their professionalism and dedication to the job," said an EastEnders spokeswoman. "We wish them all the very best of luck for the future."

No word has yet been given on how the six will make their exit, planned for next Spring.

"I’ve really enjoyed being part of the show and look forward to moving on to pastures new," said Elouahabi.

Shah added: "I’ve loved being part of the show and I’m going to miss everyone involved, cast, crew and production because it’s like having been part of a family."