Producer quits 'EastEnders'

The executive producer of EastEnders has quit just two years into the post after presiding over some of the BBC soap opera's worst ever audience ratings.

The executive producer of EastEnders has quit just two years into the post after presiding over some of the BBC soap opera's worst ever audience ratings.

Louise Berridge's departure comes after EastEnders suffered a ratings low of 6.4 million viewers in the summer and attracted criticism over its storylines, which were branded too full of doom and gloom.

She is leaving despite the introduction of plot developments intended to turn around the fortunes of the ailing show, including the arrival of a new family in Albert Square and the return of Barbara Windsor as Peggy Mitchell.

Ms Berridge said: "I've loved every minute of my time on EastEnders, but felt it right to move on to new challenges."

Mal Young, the controller of continuing drama series at the BBC, praised Ms Berridge for doing a "superb job".

Kathleen Hutchison, the executive producer of BBC1's hospital drama Holby City, will take over the position.