Exec producer Hutchison to leave 'EastEnders'

EastEnders executive producer Kathleen Hutchison is to leave the soap after just four months at the helm, the BBC has announced.

Hutchison's departure is part of a new plan devised by John Yorke - the Beeb's head of drama - designed to "give viewers EastEnders at its best."

In what the soap calls a "production reshuffle," series producer Sharon Hughff will also be leaving - while old "heavyweights" including Tony Jordan and Nigel Taylor will be returning in the roles of Story Advisor and Head of Production respectively.

The unexpected axe of Hutchison and Hughff is reasoned that they have "completed their task of managing this period of transition."

In a statement, Yorke said Hutchison had done a "fantastic job" during the "period of change," leaving the show "in such a strong position for us to build on."

Hutchison added: "I have enjoyed my brief time at EastEnders and wish the show the very best."

During that "brief time," Hutchison dropped the axe on a string of characters - most notably the Ferreira family - and appointed a whole host of new ones, including two new Moon brothers, one new Slater and former Bill actor Billy Murray as gangster boss Jonny Allen.