BAFTA-nominated Coronation Street writer Daran Little has defected to rival soap EastEnders.

The announcement of the 43-year-old's move south comes just one day into Bryan Kirkwood's official reign as executive producer. Former exec Diederick Santer stepped down from the role at the end of last week after nearly three and a half years helming the East-End soap.

Typing on his Twitter account yesterday evening, Little wrote: "Ta ra Weatherfield... 'ello Walford... happy to say I'm now writing for EastEnders."

Little has written for Coronation Street on and off for the last decade, during which time he has also penned episodes for Hollyoaks as well as its spinoffs In The City and last year's Later - which was also exec produced by Kirkwood.

During his stint with Corrie, Little masterminded - among others storylines - the Manchester soap's first gay plot and kiss, which saw Todd Grimshaw make a pass at his girlfriend's brother Nick Tilsley.

In July 2008, he was poached by ABC Daytime as a Creative Consultant for All My Children. He went on to become one of the show's associate head writers for nearly a year and a half, before returning to Corrie for another short stint.

Digital Spy

Originally Posted by Patrick (Post 3046456) So Dedrick has gone? The legend has gone? This is sad. We love you Dedrick.