'EastEnders: E20' renewed for third series

The BBC has announced that EastEnders: E20 will return for a third series.

The soap's official website confirmed that the teen spinoff show has been commissioned for another run through BBC Learning following the success of the second series, which is currently ending its ten-episode stint.

The online soap will continue to work with young writers, actors and crew in producing the upcoming episodes.

Sual Nassé, controller of BBC Learning, commented: "I want to use BBC programmes that are known and loved by audiences that can serve as springboards for learning... We'll be enlisting the help of the BBC's best talent to maximise the reach of our output."

E20 producer Deborah Sathe said: "We are thrilled with the success of the first two series and have already started to storyline the third. Be prepared for a few familiar faces, a couple of new ones and a lot of fireworks."

Recent instalments of E20 have seen an appearance by ex-Hollyoaks actress Roxanne McKee, as well as the departures of first series characters Leon (played by Sam Attwater) and Zsa-Zsa (played by Emer Kenny).