Eastenders boss Diederick Santer has confirmed that the BBC soap opera is facing substantial budget cuts over the next five years.

According to The People, show bosses and writers have been asked to cut down on explosions and other stunts as well as on location shoots in a bid to save money.

“We have been told to save five per cent over five years,” Santer told the newspaper. “We are trying to save where we can.”

He added: “We hope talent won’t suffer.”

The newspaper also revealed that once the BBC sells the current Elstree set the show’s production will be moved to Pinewood Studios.

A BBC spokesperson insisted: “Every programme has to make savings, but viewers can be assured that every effort goes into making sure they are still exciting and high quality.”