Danny Dyer and his new Walford family
The boss of Eastenders has warned that anybody could be axed at any moment.
Dominic Treadwell-Collins has threatened members of the soap with the chop if they don't "fight" for their place, which comes as part of a new shake-up to give the show it's "balls back".
He said: "We have trimmed down the cast a bit , the reason for that is to bring in new characters, but also I firmly believe every character has to fight for their place on the show."
He added: "Our aim is to give 'EastEnders' it's balls back, it's about ordinary people living extraordinary lives."
The 36-year-old executive producer - who rejoined the programme in the summer after working previously as the story editor - was determined to make his presence felt by appointing Danny Dyer to play, Mick Carter, the new landlord of the Queen Victoria pub, who will grace Albert Square on Christmas day (25.12.13).
He explained: "With the rest of my team we are going to take the show forward into the 21st century. Some things are changing."
Meanwhile, Dominic has promised an explosive storyline for the Beale family next year, which will continue to push through until 2015 and will give Adam Woodyatt - who plays annoying businessman Ian Beale - a chance to show off his acting skills.
Speaking at the launch of their Christmas episodes, he said: "Maybe our biggest story is for the Beale family. There is a big, big story that will hit around Easter and keep going until the anniversary. It will shock, entertain and hopefully make the nation weep. It will give Adam Woodyatt, who is a brilliant actor and a lovely man, a big chance to shine."
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