Peggy exit 'an opportunity' for 'Enders

Controller of BBC drama production John Yorke has predicted that Barbara Windsor's departure from EastEnders could be an opportunity to move the soap forward.

The TV boss, who was the Walford show's executive producer between 2000 and 2002, confirmed that he is looking on the bright side following Windsor's decision to leave her role as Peggy Mitchell.

Windsor announced last October that she is to depart the programme after 15 years as Peggy. She will film her final scenes later this year.

Yorke told Walford Web: "It's very sad, but I've seen enough exits now to know that if you get it right, they're great opportunities.

"I remember being terrified when Ross Kemp left, but it actually gave us carte blanche to reinvent the show."

Walford actor Derek Martin (Charlie Slater) recently said that EastEnders will be able to "go on" without Windsor's iconic character.