Kate Oates, who has worked on Emmerdale and Coronation Street, said she has big plans and high expectations for EastEnders.
The acclaimed producer will be heading to the BBC next month and has already set her sights on a number of characters for huge storylines.
She has also made her feelings clear about axing actors from the series, whilst hinting at inevitable change.
Talking about her new job, Kate said: “I’ve obviously been thinking constantly about the show since I agreed to take the job.
“I don’t actually like to start making huge plans until I’ve engaged with the team: it’s important that it’s a collaborative process and it’s really important to use the talent and ideas that are already there.”
Speaking about taking on the role as the producer of such a popular soap with Metro, Kate admitted it would be “a challenge”.
She said: “I know a lot of people have their eye on where we take EastEnders, because it’s such a huge show, so of course I want it to be the very best it can be.
“It will be a challenge, but it’s very exciting, and I really am over the moon to be part of it.”
Kate has in fact already selected characters she hopes to create “interesting and exciting plot lines” for when she takes over.
Without giving too much away, Kate said: “Well there are definitely characters I would have my eye on and who I can very much envision being at the centre of some exciting storylines and episodes.
“EastEnders has a very strong cast and of course, I’m a massive fan and have been making sure that I am completely brushed up on all of the history over the last few weeks.”
This will come as a relief for the cast and fans of EastEnders as Kate made it crystal clear she has no intentions of going on a massive sacking spree.
“It’s always been the case that cast members come and go from serial dramas but I’m not a big fan of axing sprees, because I think you have to have faith in the talent you inherit and need to work out the best way to use it,” Kate added.
“I’ve watched shows before when there’s been a mass-clear out, and sometimes you run the risk of changing the landscape so much, the show feels really odd and different for quite a while.”
Kate went on to say dropping actors and actresses can destroy morale and hopes she can get the best out of the current stars.
“It’s also not great for morale, which is important to me,” she continued. “I’d rather do my best with the existing cast that I’ll be working alongside.”
She concluded: “I hope that enables them to do their best with stories that feel true to their characters.”
Kate, who worked on Coronation Street for two years, confirmed she was leaving the soap on April 24, saying she was “excited” to move forward.
Iain MacLeod, who previously produced Emmerdale, replaced Kate in June and said: “Only Corrie could have tempted me away.”
EastEnders continues tonight on BBC One at 7.30pm.
