ITV has made a major announcement that marks the end of an era for its iconic soap operas, as John Whiston, the long-serving Managing Director of Continuing Drama and Head of ITV in the North, has officially stepped down from his role after an incredible 27 years. Whiston, a respected figure in the British television industry, played a pivotal role in shaping the direction and success of both Emmerdale and Coronation Street, overseeing countless storylines, production innovations, and cast developments throughout nearly three decades. Under his leadership, both soaps solidified their place as cultural mainstays, consistently drawing millions of viewers and winning critical acclaim. His departure signals a significant shift behind the scenes at ITV, leaving fans and insiders alike wondering what changes may lie ahead for their favourite dramas. As tributes pour in from cast, crew, and viewers, Whiston’s legacy is being celebrated for the passion, vision, and creative excellence he brought to British television storytelling.

Whiston will step down at the end of the month. He passes the baton over to Iain MacLeod and Matt Cleary.
John has worked on Emmerdale for many years (Credit: ITV)

John Whiston to retire from Emmerdale after 27 years

Whiston has worked in TV for over 40 years, the last 27 of which have been spent at ITV. During his time at ITV, he has worked on shows such as A Touch of Frost, Heartbeat, Lewis, Vera and The Chase. 

On his current role at ITV, a statement said: “In his current role, John has overseen the network’s flagship soaps, Coronation Street and Emmerdale.

“Under his leadership both soaps have not only entertained millions, surprised their audiences with everything from floods to motorway pile ups to live tram crashes, they have influenced change through many issue-based storylines such as those concerning domestic abuse, suicide and mental health issues.”
John will miss being a part of the soaps (Credit: ITV)

John Whiston speaks out

On his decision to retire, Whiston said: “I’ve always said I’ve got the best job in TV. I used to say it privately in case ITV stopped paying me.

“It has been nothing short of an honour, as well as a blast, to work on the soaps this last decade or so. We’ve had joy, we’ve had fun and we’ve had seasons in the sun. We’ve also had misery and mayhem, we’ve had motorway crashes, tram crashes and floods.

“And we’ve had stories which have squeezed your heart till tears came out of your eyes. We’ve covered pretty much anything and everything that people have to face in their own lives. And we’ve done that with care and humanity.

“With the appointment of Iain MacLeod as Creative Director and Matt Cleary as Chief Operating Officer and with fantastic stories in place for the move to five episodes a week next January, and a never-before-seen mega mash-up between the two shows, the future for our ITV Soaps is set fair.

“So it’s the right time to leave and for me just to say thank you… to colleagues, to ITV and to our loyal, appreciative audience.”

The special crossover episode between the two soaps was announced earlier this week, with the episode due to air next January to launch the soap power hour.