EastEnders: E20 Series 3

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The BBC has announced that EastEnders: E20 will return for a third series.

The soap's official website confirmed that the teen spinoff show has been commissioned for another run through BBC Learning following the success of the second series, which is currently ending its ten-episode stint.

The online soap will continue to work with young writers, actors and crew in producing the upcoming episodes.

Sual Nassé, controller of BBC Learning, commented: "I want to use BBC programmes that are known and loved by audiences that can serve as springboards for learning... We'll be enlisting the help of the BBC's best talent to maximise the reach of our output."

E20 producer Deborah Sathe said: "We are thrilled with the success of the first two series and have already started to storyline the third. Be prepared for a few familiar faces, a couple of new ones and a lot of fireworks."

Recent instalments of E20 have seen an appearance by ex-Hollyoaks actress Roxanne McKee, as well as the departures of first series characters Leon (played by Sam Attwater) and Zsa-Zsa (played by Emer Kenny).

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EastEnders: E20 star Heshima Thompson has praised the decision to renew the show for a third series.

Last week, it was announced that the online spinoff had been granted another run following the success of series two.

Thompson - who plays Asher Levi on the show - told Last Broadcast: "I'm so happy that E20's been recommissioned again, I think the producer Deborah Sathe is doing a great thing and creating fantastic opportunities for the youth and young talent across different fields in the entertainment industry."

He added: "I think it's important it does carry on."

The final episode of E20's current run goes live on the show's official site tomorrow night, featuring a guest appearance from Britain's Got Talent stars Flawless, a dance-off and dramatic moments as Asher comes face-to-face with trouble.

Speaking of the finale, Thompson added: "The last episode deffo starts fast pace and there is closure to some storylines, but you'll just have to watch!"

Thompson's co-star Amanda Fairbank-Hynes (Stevie Dickinson) recently promised an "exciting" conclusion to the current series.

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EASTENDERS' spin-off E20 is to be used to teach schoolkids.
The new series - to air on the Beeb's website and BBC3 - tackles issues such as peer pressure and bullying.

Episodes will come with classroom texts so teachers can use them in lessons.

E20 - which starred Emer Kenny, 21, as Zsa Zsa in series one - is funded by the Beeb's learning department.

Controller Saul Nassé said he wants shows to be "springboards for learning".

An insider said E20 will help teachers "bring subjects to life".

The Sun