Emmerdale’s Executive Producer Jane Hudson has stepped down from her role after leading the ITV soap for five years.
The show boss will leave on September 22 after seeing through the episodes for this year’s blockbusting Super Soap Week, which is expected to air in October.
During her tenure, the serial drama has won an unprecedented number of awards and gained huge critical acclaim for hard hitting, emotional storylines such as Marlon Dingle’s stroke and Faith Dingle’s breast cancer.
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Jane led the programme through the difficult years of the coronavirus pandemic, keeping the show on air when all other drama production in the UK ground to a halt.
Massive rating weeks she has overseen have included the week featuring high wire action in a ravine and murder in a blazing maize maze and the killer storm week which marked Emmerdale’s 50th birthday.
Beyond the outstanding drama, Jane has championed many important ITV initiatives, including the innovative week where all the soaps in the UK came together to deliver on screen climate change messaging around COP26.
Jane said “I’ve had a wonderful time at Emmerdale and feel very lucky to have spent the last five years working alongside such a hardworking and talented team.
(Image: ITV)
“I’m extremely proud of what we‘ve achieved both on and off screen, especially during the pandemic when we all pulled together to make sure we never went off air.
“As hard as it is to say goodbye to my fictional family of villagers, I can’t wait to have weekends back with my real family. But mostly, I can’t wait to be an Emmerdale viewer again and have no idea what’s coming next.”
Huw Kennair-Jones, ITV Drama Commissioner, said “Jane’s tenure at Emmerdale has been exceptional.
(Image: ITV)
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“As well as consistently delivering brilliant stories brilliantly told, she oversaw Emmerdale being the first soap to resume filming during the Covid 19 pandemic ensuring it kept on air, for which everyone at ITV will be eternally grateful.
“I’d personally like to thank her for everything she’s done for the show over the last five years and wish her all the very best for the future”
Managing Director for Continuing Drama, John Whiston, says “We all thank Jane for her unerring dedication to, and passion for, Emmerdale. During her time running the show it has gone from strength to strength, pushing the boundaries of continuing drama to another level with powerful storylines, breath-taking stunts and deeply affecting human drama.
“She has also introduced compelling new characters and families, setting the programme up for even more success to come.
“Everyone who loves the show thanks her for what she has brought to Emmerdale over these five last years and for leaving the show in such good stead with inventive and gripping stories on the cards well into 2024.”
Emmerdale airs weeknights on ITV1 and ITVX at 7.30pm
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