EastEnders’ new boss Kate Oates has promised to open a gay bar on Albert Square.
The executive producer said it will be a “super-cool” place where storylines can unfold as she aims to make the soap more reflective of real life London in 2019.
Kate, who has taken over EastEnders following time at the helm of rival soap Corrie, revealed the news as she took to Twitter on New Year’s Day to answer questions from fans.
In response to a viewer asking how she intends to bring in “a more diverse blend of characters more representative of multi-cultural London”, she said: “I’m really interested in bringing some more LGBTQ characters in.
“We’re looking at opening a gay bar on the Square which will be a super-cool precinct where gay and straight characters can all just hang out and loads of stories can cross.
“It should be something really exciting, really fun, really visual and feel really true to multi-cultural London.”
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Albert Square has been home to a number of gay characters over the years including Tina Carter and Ben Mitchell – who is tipped to return in 2019.
Elaborating further on how she intends to make EastEnders more diverse, Kate said she’s introduced two new members of Masood’s extended family, who have already started filming, while Keegan’s dad Mitch is back with more family members in tow.
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Kate also teased exciting storylines she has planned, including developing the Sharon-Keanu affair. She said it will become more complex as Phil grows more fatherly to the mechanic who works for him.
She also confirmed Lola Pearce will be back, as well as another returning character whose identity is yet to be revealed.
She teased: “There is one coming back in Spring who I am super excited about. It’s going to be for a fairly short stint but have a huge impact.”
Oooh who could it be? Grant Mitchell? Bianca Jackson? Ricky Butcher? We can’t wait to find out, or to see the new sets like the gay bar where the action will play out.
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