twinkle_eyes83
16-03-2005, 15:37
EASTENDERS chiefs are axeing Alfie Moon's cousins Jake and Danny - because Albert Square has too many gangsters.
The pair, who first appeared in the BBC1 soap at Christmas, will go in an explosive storyline despite proving popular.
Plots, currently thought too violent and unrealistic, are set to take a new direction.
Last night a show spokeswoman told The Mirror: "Both Joel Beckett (Jake) and Jake Maskall (Danny) have brought much talent and energy.
"This decision is no reflection on them." An insider said the door would be left open for their return. The actors learned they were being written out yesterday, as new executive producer Kate Harwood joined the show.
However their characters were axed by BBC drama boss John Yorke, drafted in to rescue the soap after plummeting ratings and critical maulings.
The double departure follows Dirty Den's exit last month. Actor Leslie Grantham was axed for bad behaviour but his bad boy shoes will soon be filled by returning Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden).
The pair, who first appeared in the BBC1 soap at Christmas, will go in an explosive storyline despite proving popular.
Plots, currently thought too violent and unrealistic, are set to take a new direction.
Last night a show spokeswoman told The Mirror: "Both Joel Beckett (Jake) and Jake Maskall (Danny) have brought much talent and energy.
"This decision is no reflection on them." An insider said the door would be left open for their return. The actors learned they were being written out yesterday, as new executive producer Kate Harwood joined the show.
However their characters were axed by BBC drama boss John Yorke, drafted in to rescue the soap after plummeting ratings and critical maulings.
The double departure follows Dirty Den's exit last month. Actor Leslie Grantham was axed for bad behaviour but his bad boy shoes will soon be filled by returning Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden).