ITV, ITV Studios Up Iain Macleod

ITV and ITV Studios have appointed Iain Macleod as executive producer for continuing drama.

Macleod has been Coronation Street’s series producer for several years. In his new position, the executive producer will work alongside the series producer and producers for Coronation Street and Emmerdale, supporting them through all stages of production.

With immediate effect, Macleod will report to John Whiston, managing director of continuing drama and head of ITV in the North, with a direct line to Huw Kennair-Jones, ITV’s drama commissioner.

Prior to becoming series producer for Coronation Street, Macleod was series producer for Emmerdale between 2015 and 2018. He won a BAFTA in 2022, two National Television Awards in 2019 and 2020 and numerous accolades at the TV Choice and Inside Soap Awards, as well as at the British Soap Awards.

“I am beyond delighted to be stewarding two shows that I—along with the whole nation—absolutely love,” said Macleod. “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!”

Whiston added: “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 prime-time 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.

“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.”

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.”