ITV have confirmed Iain MacLeod has replaced Kate Oates as the new ‘Coronation Street’ producer.
The ‘Emmerdale’ producer will take over the reins on the cobbles after Kate quit to go into drama series production, which she will start with the second series of ‘Bancroft’, and Jane Hudson has been appointed as executive producer on the Yorkshire-based soap.
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."
Iain will take the helm at ‘Corrie’ from the beginning of June, and Jane will take on her new ‘Emmerdale’ position at the same time.
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."
‘Emmerdale’ has also promoted assistant producer Kate Brooks to the role of producer, and current series script producer Laura Shaw will also become a producer, with both roles taking effect in early June.
‘Corrie’ boss Kate – who was previously produced ‘Emmerdale’ from 2013 to 2015 – "can’t wait" to get started on drama series ‘Bancroft’, which stars Sarah Parish as detective Elizabeth Bancroft, and insisted she will still watch both ‘Corrie’ and ‘Emmerdale’.
She said: "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."
‘Corrie’ has recently come under criticism from the likes of cobbles celebrity fans Sir Michael Parkinson and Fern Britton for being too dark, following storylines such as Pat Phelan’s (Connor McIntyre) murdering spree, and David Platt (Jack P. Shepherd) being raped.
Iain MacLeod replaces Kate Oates on Coronation Street
