Emmerdale executive producer Jane Hudson stands down
Emmerdale‘s executive producer Jane Hudson is leaving the soap after 5 years and nearly 1000 episodes of output. She is expected to depart the role on the 22nd of September after overseeing this year’s blockbusting ‘Super Soap Week’.
Jane Hudson 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. 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!”
Under Hudson the ITV soap has won an unprecedented number of awards and garnered acclaim for hard-hitting, emotional stories such as Marlon’s stroke and Faith’s breast cancer. Other memorable plots 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 the show’s 50th Birthday.
Huw Kennair-Jones, ITV Drama Commissioner, said:
“Jane’s tenure at Emmerdale has been exceptional. 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”.
ITV note that Hudson has also 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.
She previously worked on Coronation Street as a storyliner and story editor between 2001-2003. She subsequently held various script-related roles on Casualty, Hollyoaks and Law and Order, before becoming a producer and working on Robin Hood, Hustle and Waterloo Road.
Managing Director for Continuing Drama, John Whiston, said:
“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.”
Emmerdale airs Monday-Friday at 7.30pm on ITV1 and STV
