BACKSTAGE BUZZ: Actor’s BOLD STATEMENT About Soap Boss Stuns Viewers

EastEnders star Adam Woodyatt made a cheeky jibe at soap boss Chris Clenshaw following the soap’s win at the 2025 British Soap Awards.

The BBC soap picked up the gong for Best Soap at this year’s awards ceremony, with EastEnders coming out on top from the public vote.

Ian Beale actor Woodyatt accepted the award from presenter Sir David Jason on stage, surrounded by his co-stars, and playfully mocked departing boss Clenshaw in his acceptance speech.

“Look, I tell you what, we couldn’t be happier,” his speech began. “We’ve had the best 40th anniversary ever. It’s been a fantastic time.

“When Chris [Clenshaw] started telling us what he had planned for the 40th anniversary, I turned round and said he’s just bonkers, we’re never gonna do it and… we did.”

adam woodyatt, sir david jason, british soap awards
ITV

 

Woodyatt’s remark was met with loud laughter from the audience, Clenshaw included. “Hopefully we’ll be back next year for another one,” he concluded.

Clenshaw announced in late 2024 that he would be stepping down from his role this year, leaving soon after the soap’s 40th anniversary.

He first joined EastEnders in 2015 as a writer and storyliner, departing after four years, but returned in 2022 with plans to give the soap a ‘creative refresh’ in his capacity as executive producer.

chris clenshaw
BBC

His replacement, new executive producer Ben Wadey, has just started on the soap, with Clenshaw’s last episodes expected to air next week.

Best Soap wasn’t the only award EastEnders picked up at this year’s ceremony, with the soap winning all categories that were voted for by the public.

Lacey Turner (aka Stacey Slater) was victorious as Best Leading Performer, with Bianca Jackson star Patsy Palmer scooping Best Comedy Performance and Navin Chowdhry (who plays Nish Panesar) winning Villain of the Year.