ITV and ITV Studios has appointed Iain MacLeod as Executive Producer for Continuing Drama.
MacLeod will be responsible for leading the creative teams who produce both Coronation Street and Emmerdale in Manchester and Leeds reporting to John Whiston, Managing Director of Continuing Drama and Head of ITV in the North with a direct line to Huw Kennair Jones, ITV Drama Commissioner.
He will work alongside the series producer and producers for Coronation Street and Emmerdale and support them through all stages of production “to ensure both shows continue to captivate viewers with engaging, ambitious and dynamic storytelling, whilst staying true to their DNA and successfully delivering mass audiences for ITV and ITV Studios’ international broadcast partners throughout the world.”
MacLeod has been Coronation Street’s Series Producer for the last 5 years. During his time at the helm, the show won a BAFTA for Best Soap and Continuing Drama in 2022, two Best Serial Drama Awards at the National Television Awards in 2019 and 2020 and accolades at the TV Choice and Inside Soap Awards and the British Soap Awards.
Prior to becoming Series Producer for Coronation Street, he was Series Producer for Emmerdale between 2015 and 2018 and is also a former Producer of Hollyoaks. He initially joined Coronation Street’s story team as a Researcher in 2006 before becoming a Story Associate in 2007.
Iain MacLeod said: “I am beyond delighted to be stewarding two shows that I – along with the whole nation – absolutely love. They hold such a central role in viewers’ lives and working with the immensely talented teams on either side of the Pennines to cement their position as the best soaps on the telly will be a massive thrill and a privilege. I have been honing my skills in producer roles for the past decade and I am brimming with ideas for what the next chapter on each show will look like – I can’t wait to get started!”
John Whiston said: “I’m delighted that Iain has agreed to take on what is probably one of the toughest, but most exciting, jobs in the TV world. Responsible for 6 hours of primetime ITV output 52 weeks of the year (that’s over 3 feature films worth) the job is not for the faint hearted. Luckily Iain has been hewn in the fire of continuing drama having produced all three Northern soaps, Coronation Street, Emmerdale and Hollyoaks.
“During that time he has racked up innumerable awards, brought to our screens fantastic new characters and storylines and tackled some really important social issues with boldness and sensitivity. We are very fortunate to have him to help guide the soaps through their next phase.”
Huw Kennair Jones said: “We’re thrilled Iain is going to become the Executive Producer on two of ITV’s most important shows. Over his tenure on both Emmerdale and Coronation Street he has been responsible for many brilliant, award-winning storylines and we can’t wait to see what’s in store for the future.”
Jon Creamer
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