News

Controversial TV figure lined up to take over EastEnders

John Yorke's return was only ever temporary

It has been rumoured that former Coronation Street boss Kate Oates has been in talks with EastEnders chiefs over recent weeks.

According to The Sun, Kate has been discussing joining the London-based soap after departing the cobbles following a two-year stint at Corrie.

Kate Oates Coronation Street
Could Kate be heading to EastEnders? (Credit: Grant Buchanan / Flynet – SplashNews )

Despite being criticised by some fans for making their beloved Coronation Street too gritty, forcing the show to lose its renowned humour, Kate took the soap from strength to strength.

Read more: EastEnders’ Robbie Jackson falls apart after Donna Yates’ shock exit 

Kate can be credited for some of Corrie’s most highly acclaimed storylines to date, including Aidan’s suicide, serial killer Pat Phelan’s reign of terror and David Platt’s male rape.

ITV
Kate has been responsible for some of Corrie’s most hard-hitting storylines recently (Credit: ITV)

Kate has been praised for using the soap’s platform to raise awareness for taboo subjects, helping viewers talk about what was happening in their own lives.

She won the soap numerous awards during her stint on the show, despite her time there being shorter than a lot of pervious producers.

But if rumours are to be believed, Kate could be turning her hand to mixing things up in Walford.

A BBC source apparently told The Sun: “Kate went in to meet up with bosses earlier this month and they seemed to really like her.

Phelan’s reign of terror was Kate’s brainchild (Credit: ITV)

“They love what she did with the recent Corrie storylines, such the suicide of Shayne Ward’s character Aidan. They would love Kate to bring some gritty drama to EastEnders.

“It is still early days but producers are quietly hoping Kate will now decide to get on board.”

Kate received praise for Aidan’s suicide storyline (Credit: ITV)

Former EatsEnders producer Sean O’Connor quit the show after ratings started falling. The show is currently being looked after by John Yorke but he is only at the helm on a temporary basis.

Kate Oates Coronation Street
Could Kate Oates be the next EastEnders boss? (Credit: FameFlynet.uk.com)

Don’t miss out: Three steps to ensure you see all ED!’s latest news on Facebook

If Kate, who has also worked at Emmerdale, were to take over at the BBC soap, it looks like we could look forward to plenty of hard-hitting storylines at EastEnders.

EastEnders airs Monday and Friday at 8pm and Tuesday and Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One.

Do you think Kate would be a good addition to the EastEnders team? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know what you think!

Related Topics