Long-running Coronation Street producer Iain MacLeod has been promoted to executive producer for continuing drama at ITV and ITV Studios.
In the new role MacLeod will lead the creative teams across both of ITV’s staple soaps: Coronation Street and Emmerdale in Manchester and Leeds. He will report to John Whiston, the managing director of continuing drama and head of ITV in the North. The news comes several months after Emmerdale series producer Jane Hudson stood down from her role last August.
MacLeod said of his new position: “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!”
Before starting his role on Coronation Street, MacLeod was previously series producer for Emmerdale, while during his time at the helm of Coronation Street he won a BAFTA for Best Soap and Continuing Drama in 2022, as well as two Best Serial Drama Awards at the National Television Awards in 2019 and 2020.
MacLeod is also a former producer of Hollyoaks.
John Whiston, Managing Director of Continuing Drama and Head of ITV in the North, 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 six hours of primetime ITV output 52 weeks of the year (that’s over three 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.
