It’s a terribly sad day for EastEnders fans.
Why?
Well, because we’re saying goodbye to a true soap icon, that’s why.
Yup, while he may not appear in front of the camera, there’s no doubt in our minds that Dominic Treadwell-Collins is an legend.
And he has now announced that, after two and a half years working as the soap’s Executive Producer, he will be stepping down.
During his stint at EastEnders, Dominic has done some incredible things; he created iconic characters, such as Mick (Danny Dyer) and Linda Carter (Kellie Bright).
He’s brought back fan favourites including Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner) and Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) - not to mention secured comebacks from Peggy (Dame Barbara Windsor) and Grant Mitchell (Ross Kemp) later this year.
And let’s not forget that he was the mastermind behind that gripping ‘Who Killed Lucy Beale?’ storyline.
Speaking of his decision to leave, Dominic said: “My love for EastEnders is no secret and so the decision to leave Walford has not been one I have taken lightly.
“When I commit to something, I always give it my all - and after two and a half years of giving my blood to Walford, it is time for me to move on to other things - and keep EastEnders creatively refreshed, something that it has to do to stay at the top of its game.”
He continue: “I made the decision to leave back in the summer but decided to stay longer for two reasons.
"Firstly, to oversee Peggy's last episodes, which will air in May. When Dame Barbara comes to you to produce her final episodes, you cannot say no. I left EastEnders with Peggy last time when she burnt down her Vic and it feels fitting that we will now leave permanently together.
“Secondly, I needed to find the right person to take over from me. This is an incredible all-consuming show and in Sean, I know that we have found someone who already has Albert Square in his bones and who adores EastEnders as much as I do.”
Dominic added: ”It's going to be gut-wrenching to tear myself away from everyone at EastEnders. It's an utterly unique place to work, with everyone working so hard and with such passion - and I am so so proud to have led that brilliant team over the past couple of years.
“I know that EastEnders will continue to thrive under Sean and I'm looking forward to watching the show as a viewer again.”
Laurie Brett, who plays Jane Beale, and Emma Barton, who plays Honey Mitchell, were amongst those EastEnders stars who flocked to Twitter to pay tribute to their boss following the announcement.
It’s safe to say that he will be missed - so who will take over as Executive producer?
Enter Sean O’Connor, who is currently the Editor of the world’s longest running soap opera, The Archers, which celebrated its 65th anniversary in January 2016.
Speaking about his new role, Sean said: “I feel very honoured to be asked back to lead the wonderful cast, crew and production team at Elstree.”
Will you be sad to see Dominic Treadwell-Collins hand over the reigns at EastEnders?
Let us know via Facebook or Twitter (@CloserOnline) now.