Cosy crimes and gritty sagas by Corrie Blog editor Glenda, published by Headline. Click pic below!

Wednesday 27 March 2024

Kate Brooks appointed new Producer for Coronation Street


Kate will begin her role in April 2024 reporting to the newly appointed Executive Producer for Continuing Drama, Iain MacLeod, John Whiston, Managing Director for Continuing Drama and Head of ITV in the North, and ITV Drama Commissioner, Huw Kennair-Jones.

Commented John Whiston: 
“It's great news that Kate has agreed to take on the most exciting job in drama, running Coronation Street. She brings a deep understanding of the genre, a love of complex character and a penchant for the really big, all absorbing stories. She'll do brilliantly at Corrie and I can't wait to see the next evolution of the show under her assured command.”

Kate will be taking over creative responsibilities for the nation’s much loved, world-renowned soap from Acting Producer, Verity MacLeod who stepped up from Coronation Street’s Assistant Producer during the recruitment process. Verity will now resume her role as Assistant Producer. 

Commented Huw Kennair-Jones:
“We're thrilled that Kate is taking over the helm at Coronation Street. Her tenure as a producer on Emmerdale has shown her talent for telling exciting yet characterful stories and I can't wait to see what magic she'll bring to the cobbles and the Nation's favourite soap.” 

Commented Iain MacLeod:
“Kate is a fantastic storyteller and I know under her guidance the show will be ambitious, exciting and full of heart and humour. She is Corrie to the core and such a good fit for the show. I am genuinely excited to see what the next chapter holds and can’t wait to work with her again.”

Liverpool born Kate is moving across from ITV’s hugely successful, Emmerdale, where she has been one of the Producers since 2018 alongside Laura Shaw.  

She had previously served as Story Producer at Coronation Street, joining in 2012 and working on some of Coronation Street’s most memorable and momentous storylines including Hayley’s death, who killed Tina, the arrival of Phelan and his subsequent abuse of Anna, Jenny’s return, Steve’s depression and the mini bus crash. Kate became an Assistant Producer on Emmerdale from 2017, and had also been a Storyliner at Channel 4’s, Hollyoaks. 

Commented Kate Brooks:  
"I've had a wonderful time working on Emmerdale and I feel immensely proud to be part of a team that has achieved such great success over the past eight years. I’ve absolutely loved my time on the show, and I've had the privilege of working with such a hugely talented and hard-working bunch of people, who also happen to be the loveliest, too. Both professionally and personally, Emmerdale has given me so much more than I ever could have imagined, and for that I shall be eternally grateful. Thanks Emmerdale, it's been an absolute pleasure.” 

Speaking about her new role Kate continued:
“Corrie has lit up my living room since I was a kid, so to be asked to produce a show I've revered for such a long time is the ultimate 'pinch me' moment. I've adored the show from across the Pennines and have consistently been in awe of the talent on display, both on and off the screen. It truly is a special show and I endeavour to take great care to ensure that it continues to thrive as we head into the next chapter. Coronation Street has, and always will be, part of my DNA, and I can't wait to get stuck in.” 

During her tenure on Emmerdale, Kate has been responsible for producing a plethora of critically acclaimed, thought-provoking and dynamic storylines alongside Laura Shaw and former Executive Producer Jane Hudson.  

These include the introduction of serial killer, Meena Jutla, whose rampage was a multi award-winning story arc with many viewers and television critics praising the Yorkshire based soap for the portrayal of a soap villain, the return of Mandy Dingle in 2019 after a 17-year absence from the soap, Maya’s grooming and abuse of Jacob, Lisa and Zak’s remarriage and Lisa sadly passing away on her wedding day, the introduction of Charity’s long-lost son, Ryan, Laurel and Jai remarrying after many highs and lows in their relationship, and Lydia Dingle’s harrowing rape ordeal by a former boyfriend.

In partnership with Laura, Kate also spearheaded the storyline in which Marlon suffered a stroke which achieved huge swathes of audience praise for the portrayal of the warning signs for potential stroke victims and was supported by the National Stroke Association, Charity and Mack’s hard-hitting kidnap storyline which resulted in Charity’s downward spiral and PTSD diagnosis. Kate also produced storylines which celebrated Emmerdale’s 50th anniversary in October 2022 including Faith’s breast cancer storyline which won many plaudits for how the show boldly, yet sensitively told the story. 

Kate and Laura have also been at the helm demonstrating great sensitivity in depicting Paddy’s breakdown and mental health issues which culminated in the programme working closely with support organisation, Andy’s Man Club.

Most recently Kate has produced the devastating and heart-breaking story of Chas Dingle’s breast cancer diagnosis, elected mastectomy and drawing attention to carriers of the BRCA2 gene mutation and how this can also affect men who consequently develop the disease.  Kate has personally championed the programme’s work with Breast Cancer Now who have advised Emmerdale with every aspect of Chas’s poignant portrayal and story. 

Whilst Kate and Laura have each been producing the show, Emmerdale has won an array of prestigious industry awards for performances, storytelling and production including for BAFTA’s Best Soap and Continuing Drama in 2020, Best British soap at the soap Awards in 2019, Best Soap at the TV Choice Awards in 2022, and the Serial Drama Award at the National Television Awards in 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2022.

Glenda Young
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Preview of tonight's Coronation Street - Wednesday 27th March 2024


Wednesday 27th March 2024

DAISY HAS AN UNWELCOME VISITOR Jenny and Daisy are horrified when Christina texts to say she is coming to stay for two weeks. Ryan is shocked when he sees Daisy telling her mum  she is not welcome and suggesting she goes to visit her friend in Amsterdam. Christina calls in the Rovers and explains that her passport has expired and she’s nowhere to stay. When Ryan insists she should stay and have a drink as it’s the least they can do after she lent them all that money to buy the pub, Christina’s intrigued. Will Christina blow their cover? 

STEVE TRUSTS KEN’S DATING ADVICE In the cafĂ©, Steve moans to David that there’s been no interest in his dating profile. Debbie suggests he should try the cocktail night at the Chariot Square if he wants to meet someone. Steve returns home to find Ken trying on different jackets. When Ken reveals that he’s going to join him for cocktail night at the Chariot Square, Steve does his best to appear pleased. How will the evening go? Debbie approaches Ken and Steve with drinks and pointing out Elspeth, an older lady in the corner, explains that she bought them and she’s had her eye on Ken all evening. Steve’s incredulous to realise Ken’s pulled. 

ELSEWHERE Chesney and Gemma set off with Joseph for the Oakhill entrance exam. Billy, Paul and Todd bid an emotional farewell to Summer as she sets off for Boston.

Glenda Young
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Tuesday 26 March 2024

Spoilers for next week's Coronation Street - April 1 to 5 2024

Here are the major storylines for the week ahead on Coronation Street, all wrapped up nicely in 50 words or less.

Monday 1 April to Friday 5 April 2024


Jenny sings like a canary, Steve makes a bad decision, Daisy's spending is a cause for concern, Gary helps Maria who keeps an eye on Liam, Ken plans a farewell party for Tracy and Roy reaches out to Lauren's mum.

See the full week's preview with pictures at Corrie.net  

Note: If you still see last week's previews when you click through to Corrie.net, please refresh your browser

Glenda Young
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Coronation Street Episode Review Monday 25th March

SARAH - DAMON - CORONATION STREET - ITV

We've all been waiting for Samon (Darah?) to collapse around Sarah's ears, haven't we? Like David using the VR headset, Sarah is living in virtual reality, thinking she's going out with a decent fella, who is really a crim. Mind you, we all want the big house; I have spent time idly thinking about how many of my relatives I'd have to murder before I could afford a 4-bed. Only thinking mind you, don't call in PC Tinker on me. 
 
Because Sarah has known her fair share of bad lads, she knows when sommat is up and accuses Damon of lying to her about doing some work on a pub, or whatever it was. I'd've liked her to call in Harry to call Damon a loy-er, but he is busy prepping for his bday party, at which he ignores Adam (whose hair is looking great at the moment) because he has a new more generous step-papa. Damon explains to Sarah that he has to do this one last job to get Harvey off his back and then they'll live happily ever after in Didsbury (I paraphrase). Of course it all goes badly wrong when his fellow hoodlums threaten to kill the tame security driver and then to kill Damon, attacking him with a rubber hammer. He runs off with some money and manages to get back to the party with pizza. To be honest, we've all done things to get out of an 8 year old's birthday. It gets worse as the closing shot of the episode is him being taken away by armed police. No doubt D.S. Swain'll be taking time off from fitting up Roy to interrogating Damon in Wednesday's ep.
 
ROY - NINA - DEE-DEE - CORONATION STREET - ITV

Talking of Roy, he's been sleep-cooking and almost burned down the caff. If only we could work in our sleep, think of how much we'd get done. Not that much happens with Roy in this ep, except he is verbally attacked by someone who looks like Neil Oliver after he's been holed up in his conspiracy bunker for too long and Deedee says she's not charging Roy for her hours (yet). This story of trial by (social) media reminds me of the false accusations levelled at Christopher Jefferies.
 
PAUL - BILLY - TODD - BERNIE - SUMMER - CORONATION STREET - ITV
 
In MND news, Paul is told that he needs to have food pureed as he is at risk of choking. This is a bit of a problem as Bernie has coerced Billy into cooking a roast dinner for her and the fam (and Todd). It has to be mashed up and tastes bad until Bernie adds a bit of apple to it. Meanwhile, Summer is finally off to the University of America! This time last year I'd've welcomed a break from the ongoing trials and tribulations of Summer Spellman but I worry for Bully's mental health without her.

And finally, the Monday quiz night at the pub is resurrected and won by the Legal Eagles (Adam, Deedee and Ed) after the Plum-Plumbers are disqualified when Cassie cheats by looking something up on her mobile. Jenny moots a speed dating night after she and Glenda bemoan their single status, which causes bickering between her and Daisy. Glenda ought to be running the pub, she is the only one with any sense.

Rachel Stevenson - on twitter

GRITTY SAGAS BY CORRIE BLOG EDITOR GLENDA YOUNG, PUBLISHED BY HEADLINE. CLICK PIC BELOW!

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