Coronation Street and Emmerdale could be under scrutiny as ITV bring in a new broadcasting boss to oversee the two soaps.
Huw Kennair-Jones is currently Editor on the nation’s favourite radio drama, The Archers, but will take commissioning responsibility for the biggest continuing soaps on the network in December, after just over a year on the radio show.
Radio 4 controller Gwyneth Williams said:
“Huw Kennair-Jones has done a great job in Ambridge.
“It has been an eventful year in the village – Rob Titchener left for Minnesota, the cricket team admitted women for the first time, Jill Archer celebrated 60 years in Ambridge and Matt Crawford has returned to upset the apple cart.”
“I would like to thank Huw and wish him well in his new role at ITV.”
With a strong background in both commissioning and production, Huw has produced dramas including New Tricks and Waterloo Road, as well as working in drama commissioning at Sky for six and a half years.
Plus he has also been involved in production on Sky 1’s Dream Team, Story Producer on EastEnders, and Producer for Holby City.
Now that’s what we call someone who knows what they’re doing!
Huw revealed that he is really looking forward to his new role, saying, “I’m delighted to be joining the ITV drama team at such an exciting time.
“ITV has always been at the forefront of TV drama and I’m thrilled to be getting the chance to work on Coronation Street and Emmerdale, two of the UK’s most iconic programmes.”
He said about leaving the iconic radio show, “And though I’ll be away from Borsetshire, the fantastic cast and crew of The Archers in Birmingham will always have a special place in my heart and I’ll be listening as avidly as I ever have.
“I’ve loved being part of such a brilliant programme.”
Producers Kate Oates (Coronation Street) and Iain MacLeod (Emmerdale) will continue to oversee their respective flagship show, and Huw will work alongside the duo to make sure the programmes continue their success.