Major Emmerdale name quits and moves to rival soap Corrie in huge shake-up

Kate Brooks revealed she has been appointed as the new producer for Coronation Street, meaning she will be leaving her role as an Emmerdale producer after eight years

An Emmerdale star is swapping the Dales for the Cobbles.

Emmerdale’s Kate Brooks is joining Coronation Street in a major behind-the-scenes shake-up. The TV veteran has been appointed as the new producer for Corrie, taking over from Iain MacLeod following his promotion to executive producer for continuing drama.

Kate’s new role means she will be leaving her job as an Emmerdale producer after eight years. “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,” she said in a statement.

“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.”

Kate continued: “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 added: “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.”

Kate signed off the statement by saying: “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.” This won’t be her first time working on Coronation Street as she previously served as a story producer on the ITV soap back in 2012.

Meanwhile Iain branded Kate a “fantastic storyteller” and shared his excitement at being reunited at work. He said: “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.” During her time on Emmerdale, Kate produced a number of critically acclaimed storylines alongside producer Laura Shaw and former executive producer Jane Hudson.

These include Maya Stepney’s (Louisa Clein) abuse of Jacob (Joe-Warren Plant), the introduction of serial killer Meena Jutla (Paige Sandhu), Mandy Dingle’s (Lisa Riley) return in 2019 as well as Marlon Dingle’s (Mark Charnock) stroke. Kate is married to Vanessa Woodfield star Michelle Hardwick and the couple share two children.