ITV Managing Director John Whiston Retires After 27 Years Overseeing Coronation Street, Emmerdale

John Whiston, Managing Director of Continuing Drama and Head of ITV in the North, has announced his retirement after 27 years at ITV, where he played a pivotal role in shaping iconic soaps Coronation Street and Emmerdale. Whiston praised the 600-plus writers, crew, cast, and editorial staff who upheld the quality of the shows, reflecting on the dramatic storylines such as motorway crashes, tram crashes, and floods, which resonated with viewers through their care and humanity. He described his role as "the best job in TV" and expressed confidence in the future of the soaps, highlighting plans for a move to five episodes a week and an unprecedented mega mash-up between the two series. Following his departure at the end of May, Iain MacLeod will become Creative Director taking on all editorial responsibilities, while Matt Cleary will assume the role of Chief Operating Officer, overseeing operations and commercial activities. ITV executives, including Managing Director Kevin Lygo, paid tribute to Whiston’s significant contributions, noting his lasting impact on the shows and the network. The leadership transition marks a new chapter for ITV's continuing dramas as they prepare for upcoming schedules and creative developments.