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.
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