The Stage

EastEnders director East made CBBC drama chief

Published Tuesday 12 July 2005 at 13:45 by Rebecca Spaull

Former EastEnders and Brookside director Jon East has been appointed the new head of drama for CBBC.

He will take up the role in September replacing Elaine Sperber, who announced she was leaving the Corporation after more than six years to pursue opportunities in the independent production sector.

East said: “I believe that beyond providing distinctive and first rate entertainment, children’s drama has a huge role to play in helping shape for the better our children’s perceptions of both themselves and their world. It is a responsibility that as a public service broadcaster the BBC is uniquely positioned to fulfil and one which I am very keen to address.”

While he has worked on factual shows such as Crimewatch UK and Holiday, East has built up considerable experience in adult drama having worked on a range of programmes including Where The Heart Is, Bodies, Silent Witness and New Tricks. He has also worked as chief storyline writer for both EastEnders and Brookside.

New CBBC controller Alison Sharman described the appointment as a coup for the BBC that will boost her ambition to revive a “golden age” of children’s drama. She has already confirmed the return of children’s classic Jackanory but at a conference in Sheffield she added that it was just as important that children’s television should be at the forefront of technological advances at the Corporation.