Coronation Street boss Kate Oates quits after two years following series of controversial storylines

Viewers have complained to Ofcom over dark and gritty episodes 
Quit: Corrie boss Kate Oates has quit the soap
ITV
Jennifer Ruby24 April 2018

Coronation Street’s Kate Oates has stepped down from her role as head of the soap after just two years, following a series of controversial storylines.

The producer, 38, announced that she wouldn’t be continuing in her role on the cobbles and would instead be moving over to ITV’s drama department to work on the second series of Bancroft.

The news of Oates’ departure comes after months of backlash over the soap’s darker and grittier storylines.

ITV have faced numerous complaints over Pat Phelan’s murder spree, David Platt’s rape ordeal and Bethany Platt’s sex trafficking.

The hard-hitting rape storyline sparked 200 viewer complaints to Ofcom, while Phelan’s murder of Luke Britton drew 541 complaints.

In a statement, Oates said: “Being a part of Coronation Street has quite simply been one of the best experiences of my life.

Griffy: Pat Phelan goes on a murderous spree
ITV

“I am proud of the stories we have told and the impact they have had - and I’ve had a ball working with one of the best and most talented teams in television.

“I’ll be forever grateful for this opportunity and all it has given me; but I’m also excited to try something new.

First look at new Coronation Street set - In pictures

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She added: “I can’t wait to make a start on Bancroft, working with the brilliant Sarah Parish and Tall Story Pictures - and I’ll continue to love watching both ITV soaps from the comfort of my sofa.”

Emmerdale producer Iain MacLeod has been announced as Oates’ replacement, with former ITV Drama Commissioner Jane Hudson replacing him.

He said: “Working on Emmerdale at a time when it’s enjoyed such success has been a total joy and I will miss the people and the place immensely - it’s a special show full of huge talent.

“Only Corrie could have tempted me away. It gave me my first job in TV as an assistant researcher many years ago and to be returning as producer is the fulfilment of a longstanding dream.

“It’ll be like a reunion with an old friend and I look forward to continuing the amazing work already being done by everyone connected with the show.”

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