Emmerdale boss to takeover Coronation Street as ITV confirm changes

ITV has confirmed changes to both Emmerdale and Coronation Street’s production teams.

It follows current Corrie boss Kate Oates’ decision to leave the soap, moving to drama production.

Current Emmerdale boss Iain MacLeod had been appointed as the new Producer of Coronation Street. Former ITV Drama Commissioner Jane Hudson has been appointed Emmerdale’s Executive Producer responsible for the future editorial and creative direction of the award-winning soap.

Assistant Producer Kate Brooks becomes Producer alongside current Series Script Producer Laura Shaw who also becomes a Producer. Kate and Laura will produce blocks of episodes on a rotational basis and take responsibility for the day to day running of the programme.

The Emmerdale appointments will take effect from the beginning of June, to coincide with Iain taking the helm at Coronation Street.

Prior to Iain taking his position at Emmerdale in 2015 he was Series Producer at Hollyoaks, a role he held since 2013. A former Coronation Street researcher and Story Editor from July 2009 until 2013, Iain left the programme in 2013 to join Hollyoaks and was promoted to Series Producer shortly afterwards.

Iain said: “Working on Emmerdale at a time when it’s enjoyed such success has been a total joy and I will miss the people and the place immensely – it’s a special show full of huge talent.

Only Corrie could have tempted me away. It gave me my first job in TV as an assistant researcher many years ago and to be returning as producer is the fulfilment of a longstanding dream. It’ll be like a reunion with an old friend and I look forward to continuing the amazing work already being done by everyone connected with the show.”

New Emmerdale boss Jane Hudson began her television career as a storyliner for Coronation Street before progressing to Script Editor. She moved to Casualty where she worked as Series Editor and Producer from 2004-2007. Jane is also a former producer of Law & Order: UK, Hustle, Waterloo Road and Robin Hood.

Jane said: “I’m delighted to be returning to my Yorkshire roots and becoming part of the nation’s much loved soap, Emmerdale. I can’t wait to be back around the story table working with the writers on ideas that will have our audience laughing, crying, suspecting and occasionally hiding behind a cushion.

“I want to continue to give our loyal audience the drama they love whilst also bringing new viewers to the Dales, because believe me, there really is no better place.”

Finally, Kate said of her exit: “Being a part of Coronation Street has quite simply been one of the best experiences of my life. I am proud of the stories we have told and the impact they have had – and I’ve had a ball working with one of the best and most talented teams in television.

“I’ll be forever grateful for this opportunity and all it has given me; but I’m also excited to try something new. I can’t wait to make a start on Bancroft, working with the brilliant Sarah Parish and Tall Story Pictures – and I’ll continue to love watching both ITV soaps from the comfort of my sofa.”