Kate Brooks, a former producer of Emmerdale, has been chosen as the new producer of Coronation Street.
Kate will start her new job next month. She will report to the newly appointed Executive Producer for Continuing Drama Iain MacLeod, who previously led Coronation Street.
She will also report to John Whiston, Managing Director for Continuing Drama and Head of ITV in the North, and ITV Drama Commissioner, Huw Kennair-Jones.
Talking about her new role, Kate expressed: ‘I’ve had a wonderful time working on Emmerdale and I feel immensely proud to be part of a team that has achieved such great success over the past eight years. I’ve absolutely loved my time on the show, and I’ve had the privilege of working with such a hugely talented and hard-working bunch of people, who also happen to be the loveliest, too.
‘Both professionally and personally, Emmerdale has given me so much more than I ever could have imagined, and for that I shall be eternally grateful. Thanks Emmerdale, it’s been an absolute pleasure.’
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She added: ‘Corrie has lit up my living room since I was a kid, so to be asked to produce a show I’ve revered for such a long time is the ultimate ‘pinch me’ moment. I’ve adored the show from across the Pennines and have consistently been in awe of the talent on display, both on and off the screen.
‘It truly is a special show and I endeavour to take great care to ensure that it continues to thrive as we head into the next chapter. Coronation Street has, and always will be, part of my DNA, and I can’t wait to get stuck in.’
John Whiston, the Managing Director for Continuing Drama, and Head of ITV in the North said: ‘It’s great news that Kate has agreed to take on the most exciting job in drama, running Coronation Street. She brings a deep understanding of the genre, a love of complex character and a penchant for the really big, all absorbing stories.
‘She’ll do brilliantly at Corrie and I can’t wait to see the next evolution of the show under her assured command.’
Kate will take over the creative responsibilities from Acting Producer Verity MacLeod, who stepped up during the recruitment process.
As Kate takes over, Verity will resume her role as the Assistant Producer.
ITV Drama Commissioner Huw Kennair-Jones added: ‘We’re thrilled that Kate is taking over the helm at Coronation Street. Her tenure as a producer on Emmerdale has shown her talent for telling exciting yet characterful stories and I can’t wait to see what magic she’ll bring to the cobbles and the Nation’s favourite soap.’
During her time working at Emmerdale, Kate was responsible for producing award-winning storylines alongside Laura Shaw and former Executive Producer Jane Hudson.
They included the introduction of serial killer Meena Jutla (Paige Sandhu), the return of Mandy Dingle (Lisa Riley) in 2019, Maya Stepney’s (Louisa Clein) abuse and grooming of Jacob Gallagher (Joe-Warren Plant), Lisa (Jane Cox) and Zak Dingle’s (Steve Halliwell) remarriage, the introduction of Charity’s (Emma Atkins) son Ryan (James Moore), as well as Lydia Dingle’s (Karen Blick) rape storyline.
Working with colleague Laura Shaw, Kate also led the story that saw Marlon Dingle (Mark Charnock) experience a stroke. The storytelling and strong performances were highly praised by fans, as well as those who have been affected by strokes.
In recent months, Kate has produced Paddy Kirk’s (Dominic Brunt) mental health storyline, as well as Chas Dingle’s (Lucy Pargeter) breast cancer diagnosis.
Discussing Kate’s new role, former Coronation Street producer Iain MacLeod said: ‘Kate is a fantastic storyteller and I know under her guidance the show will be ambitious, exciting and full of heart and humour. She is Corrie to the core and such a good fit for the show. I am genuinely excited to see what the next chapter holds and can’t wait to work with her again.’
