'Enders boss reaffirms Mitchells' future

EastEnders' executive producer Diederick Santer has promised that the soap's iconic Mitchell family will not be a "spent force" after Barbara Windsor makes her departure.

In October, 72-year-old Windsor announced that she was to leave her role as Mitchell matriarch Peggy after 15 years. She will film her final scenes in 2010.

Speaking in an interview with DS, Santer confirmed that he is confident the remaining Mitchells will have a bright future on Albert Square after Peggy has gone.

He commented: "As I've said before, the Mitchells are the premiere family of British soap. Barbara's a legend as Peggy but there's of course more to the Mitchells than Peggy.

"To be honest, we're still working out how to play Peggy's departure and what that does in terms of the power structure of the Square and of the Mitchells. Peggy's exit will by no means see the Mitchells a spent force, that's for sure."

Meanwhile, Santer hinted that new arrival Glenda Mitchell (Glynis Barber) will provide intrigue for fans of the family following her estranged husband Archie's forthcoming murder.

He said: "The question for the audience - and for the rest of the Mitchells - is what does she want? On the face of it, she wants Archie's money because his will is read - and she's the original Mrs Mitchell. But is there more going on than just her being a gold digger? I'd suggest that there is."

> Click here to read Diederick Santer's Producer's Perspective 2009
> Click here to read what's to come in EastEnders in 2010