Slaters get sexy new girl

Bosses at beleaguered soap EastEnders are looking to boost flagging ratings by "sexing up" the Slater family.

11:20 04 August 2004

Bosses at beleaguered soap EastEnders are looking to boost flagging ratings by "sexing up" the Slater family.

According to The Sun this morning a stunning new Slater is set to appear on our screens this autumn.

But it is a case of one-in one-out for the Slater clan as Jessie Wallace, who plays Kat, will be taking maternity leave at the same time.

Another Slater, Lynne, has also recently left Albert Square.

All this has left EastEnders' most popular family looking a little thin on the ground.

Louise Berridge, executive producer of the show, commented: "With the departure of Elaine and Jessie's pregnancy, there's a new Slater coming along to fill the gap."

But looks are not all the new character will bring.

"She will really set the sparks flying," added Berridge.

In recent months EastEnders' audiences have shrunk, reaching an all-time low of 6.3 million in May - compared with historical highs of up to 30 million.

But recent events involving the Den-Chrissie-Kate love triangle have seen audiences climb towards the 11 million mark.