[Scarlett.]

From media guardian

Veteran ITV drama executive Keith Richardson is to end his association with rural soap Emmerdale after 24 years overseeing the show.

Richardson is stepping down as Emmerdale's executive producer, although he will remain as controller of drama for ITV subsidiary Yorkshire TV.

ITV's head of continuing drama series, Steve Frost, will take over the running of the programme. Frost is a former Emmerdale series producer and executive producer of Coronation Street.

He will continue in his ITV Network Centre commissioning role and carry on splitting his time between Leeds and London, although some of his current responsibilities will be shared among other executives in the drama department.

Following the change at the top of the show, Emmerdale series producer Anita Turner has also decided to leave. ITV said a new producer would be sought to replace her.

The changes follow a revamp on the show initiated by Turner, which will see the arrival tonight of a new power couple played by Amanda Donohoe and Maxwell Caulfield.

Emmerdale, which airs on weeknights at 7pm on ITV1, regularly pulls in more than 7 million viewers.

During Richardson's tenure on the soap, Emmerdale has grown from two episodes a week to the biggest drama in the UK in terms of broadcast hours. He oversaw the 2004 plane crash that wiped out several cast members as well as bus crashes, storms, lightning strikes, power struggles, love triangles, lesbian kisses and several brutal murders.

John Whiston, director of ITV Studios, said: "Keith Richardson and Emmerdale have been synonymous for more years than any of us care to remember. He has modernised and transformed the show, integrating ever more compelling drama into the programme while keeping it true to all the things the audience prize most, including Emmerdale's warmth, its rural setting and its good humour.

"It's hard to think of Emmerdale without Keith at the immediate helm but he leaves an indelible legacy and his energy and enthusiasm for great drama will continue to infuse the show for years to come."

Whiston added: "Steve is the best choice to take Emmerdale into a new era. He has a real passion for popular drama allied to a great sense of event. I know that under him, Emmerdale will continue to deliver brilliant storyline peaks as well as quality drama day in day out."

Frost, who was Emmerdale series producer between 2001 to 2004, said: "Emmerdale is a programme with fantastic history and it is a real honour to be returning to the production team."

Turner, who took up her Emmerdale role in January last year, oversaw storylines including the death of Mathew King and the discovery of a body in the lake.

"Working on Emmerdale is more than a job – it's a passion and whilst I'm saddened that Keith has decided to step down, I know that Steve Frost has that passion and will make a wonderful successor," she said.

"For my own part, the show is the most important thing and with changes at the top I can't help thinking this is the perfect time to introduce a new series producer, as well. I think Emmerdale's future is bright and look forward to watching it on screen."



YES


Steve introduced two of the best families in soap

The King's and the Connor's

[Scarlett.]

The Official word

Emmerdale’s series producer Anita Turner has decided to step down.

Anita has made significant changes to Emmerdale in the time she has been running the show, including the high profile casting of Amanda Donohoe and Maxwell Caulfield who arrive tonight as the new power couple at Home Farm.

She has also overseen some brilliant storylines such as the death of Matthew King and the chilling discovery of the body in the lake.

Head of ITV Productions, John Whiston said: “Anita has thrown herself into her time on Emmerdale with passion and commitment. She has cleverly and skilfully revitalised the show and laid some great foundations for new stories and new characters to drive the series through 2009.

"The village of Emmerdale owes her a huge debt of gratitude.”

Emmerdale executive producer Keith Richardson has also decided to move on from his role after 24 years.

Keith is appointing Steve Frost to succeed him. Steve will combine the role with his existing post as Head of Continuing Drama Series at ITV.

Steve was also series producer of Emmerdale from 2001 to 2004.

[BigSister]

ooooh he was the previous one at corrie wasnt he

[Scarlett.]

Yep, he was good at his job
he also did Emmerdale a few years back too