BBC drama chief warns over soap returnees

A top television drama executive has warned of the danger of resurrecting old characters in soapland.

John Yorke – Controller of Continuing Drama Series and Head of Independent Drama at the BBC - has spoken out following last month's announcement that Sid Owen and Patsy Palmer are to return to EastEnders as Ricky and Bianca.

According to the executive, the decision to bring back two of Albert Square's most iconic characters was prompted by the death earlier this year of Walford legend Mike Reid, who played Frank Butcher until 2005.

Reid's wife, Shirley, reportedly contacted the soap's production team and suggested they mark her husband's passing on screen, prompting the storyline team to organise a special week of episodes entitled 'Frank Week'.

Subsequently, Sophie Lawrence and Charlie Brooks - who played Frank's daughters Diane and Janine – also agreed to return for the run.

Yorke told The Stage: "That is it for now. It is a balance. There is a good side to bringing back old characters because you create a sense of community which is lovely and people feel it's a family thing. But if you just live off old characters you get into terrible trouble - you have to move forward."

In addition, the drama controller also applauded EastEnders' current Executive Producer Diederick Santer for his efforts in bringing a plethora of "strong characters" to the show, namely Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) and the Mitchell sisters – Ronnie and Roxy, played by Samanthan Janus and Rita Simons respectively.

Yorke added: "There are some really exciting developments there. It feels like a new dynasty is emerging, which is important."