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Coronation Street producer Kate Oates announces she's quit in new statement

She's leaving in June!

Author: Alex RossPublished 24th Apr 2018

She's recently been criticised by viewers for her 'dark' storylines, and now Coronation Street producer Kate Oates has announced she will be leaving the soap after just two years in charge.

Announcing the news via a statement this morning, the 39-year-old admitted she is 'excited' to move on and revealed she is set to work on ITV drama series Bancroft.

Her statement read, "Being a part of Coronation Street has quite simply been one of the best experiences of my life. I am proud of the stories we have told and the impact they have had – and I've had a ball working with one of the best and most talented teams in television.

"I'll be forever grateful for this opportunity and all it has given me, but I'm also excited to try something new. I can't wait to make a start on Bancroft, working with the brilliant Sarah Parish and Tall Story Pictures – and I'll continue to love watching both ITV soaps from the comfort of my sofa."

In more changes at ITV, Iain MacLeod, who is the current boss at Emmerdale, with take over from Kate on Corrie in June this year.

Speaking about his new role, Iain said, "Working on Emmerdale at a time when it's enjoyed such success has been a total joy and I will miss the people and the place immensely – it's a special show full of huge talent.

"Only Corrie could have tempted me away. It gave me my first job in TV as an assistant researcher many years ago and to be returning as producer is the fulfillment of a long-standing dream.

"It'll be like a reunion with an old friend and I look forward to continuing the amazing work already being done by everyone connected with the show."

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Kate first joined Coronation Street when she replaced Stuart Blackburn in 2016.

During her two years in charge, the popular soap has seen a rise in a number of strong and diverse storylines, such as Bethany Platt's sex ring scandal, Pat Phelan's murders and the recent rape of David Platt.

However, despite a number of Coronation Street viewers thinking the soap had turned too 'dark', it seems this isn't the reason Kate has decided to move on.

Speaking about her upcoming exit, ITV's Creative Director for Corrie and Emmerdale said, "There's a lot to praise here! Kate Oates has transformed Coronation Street during her tenure. This has been reflected both in the huge critical acclaim the show has been getting and in the ratings. We are now used to opening the overnights and seeing Coronation Street has delivered its highest ratings for many years, a herculean achievement in this box set era.

"Kate has done this whilst putting on screen some groundbreaking and socially important stories such as the Bethany grooming story and David's rape story. It is a testament to her brilliant editorial touch that these stories, though difficult, have been both credible and engaging."

Kate will leave her role at Coronation Street in June.

The soap continues to air on ITV.