Corrie and Emmerdale: New producers appointed

Friday 18 September at 11:23am

ITV and ITV Studios today confirmed Kate Oates has been appointed new Producer of Coronation Street, as Stuart Blackburn moves on to further drama projects for ITV Studios.

Iain MacLeod will become the new Emmerdale Producer. This appointment will take effect at the end of this year, whilst Kate will join Coronation Street in the New Year.A former Producer of Radio 4’s The Archers from 2003-2010, Kate has successfully produced Emmerdale since January 2013. She previously worked as Coronation Street’s Assistant Producer following a stint as Emmerdale’s Story Editor and is passionate about both soaps.

“I’m delighted to accept the role as Coronation Street’s new Producer,” said Kate. “It’s really exciting to be moving from one amazing soap to another and I feel very blessed.”

“Emmerdale is an exceptional programme and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working with the cast, writers and crew. They are some of the absolute best in the business and it’s been a privilege to work with such dedicated, hard-working and creative people, and make some life-long friends in the process. But as much as Emmerdale has meant the world to me Corrie also has a special place in my heart.”

Managing Director, Continuing Drama John Whiston commented: “Everywhere you go these days everyone is talking about Emmerdale. Kate Oates has been responsible for the show’s on-going resurgence. She has that rare combination, a sharp editorial eye for a compelling story together with deep understanding of what drives characters caught up in such drama.”

He continued: “As a result, under her leadership, Emmerdale has reached new heights and importantly, new audiences. Kate has done this without sacrificing either the credibility or the humour for which Emmerdale has always been renowned. Steeped in the sheep dip of soap, she is the ideal person to take Corrie on to its next phase.”

Iain MacLeod takes the helm at Emmerdale at the end of the year and initially will inherit a raft of storylines courtesy of outgoing Producer Kate. Raised in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, Iain studied Psychology at Manchester University before training as a journalist. From journalism he made the switch to a career in television.

Iain moves to Emmerdale from his position as Series Producer at Hollyoaks, a role he has held since 2013. A former Coronation Street researcher and Story Editor from July 2009 until 2013, Iain has previously worked on some of Corrie’s most momentous storylines including the death of iconic character Jack Duckworth, the 50th anniversary tram crash and the rape of Carla Connor. Iain left Coronation Street in 2013 to join Hollyoaks and was promoted to Series Producer shortly afterwards.

"Taking the reins of a programme in such rude health is both highly exciting and a mouth-watering challenge, and I could not be more delighted to be tasked with taking Emmerdale forward,” said Iain. “To work on a show with such pedigree, such brilliant characters and storytelling, and with such a talented team already in place is a dream for anyone in my line of work and I can't wait to get cracking."

Commenting on Iain's appointment, John Whiston said:

“When Iain left ITV in 2013 we knew one day he would be back to run one of our shows. With a strong story head and an innate feel for what makes soaps tick, Iain will be a brilliant next Producer of Emmerdale. He inherits a great team and a great show, both of which he will nurture and have fun with when he joins the team at the end of the year.”

Coronation Street’s current Producer, Stuart Blackburn will remain with ITV and ITV Studios. Leeds based Stuart will continue to produce Coronation Street until he leaves in the New Year including producing the live episode on Wednesday 23 September 2015, which celebrates ITV’s 60th birthday.