ITV legend known for Coronation Street and Emmerdale role retires after 27 years

Metro

14-05-2025

ITV have announced the retirement of John Whiston – the man in charge of both Coronation Street and Emmerdale, and the broadcaster's operations in the North.
Whiston has worked for the company for the last 27 years, though has worked in television as a whole for four decades.
'I've always said I've got the best job in TV. I used to say it privately in case ITV stopped paying me' he said in a statement released this morning.
'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. We've had stories which have squeezed your heart till tears came out of your eyes.
'And 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.'
He continued: 'All that is down to the 600 or so people – the writers, crew, cast and editorial – who have kept the show on air and at an incredible quality day in day out.
'And it's them who have made my job ridiculously easy. Just don't tell ITV.'
His career kicked off at the BBC, where he was a General Trainee.
After a successful run on shows such as Time Watch and Omnibus, he then worked with Bob Mortimer and Vic Reeves to nurture comedy panel show Shooting Stars and sky-rocketed BBC2's viewing figures with the launch of theme nights.
John was also responsible for commissioning and executive producing Red Dwarf, The Mrs Merton Show, The Royle Family and reviving University Challenge.
He moved to Yorkshire Television in 1999 as Director of Programmes. This meant he was responsible for soaps Emmerdale and Heartbeat, while also focussing on Fat Friends and A Touch of Frost.
Eventually, his work also included Coronation Street, which saw him take on the role of Managing Director of Continuing Dramas and Head of ITV in the North in 2010.
Storylines during his stint have included live episodes – such as the aftermath of the 50th anniversary tram crash and Emmerdale's motorway pile up, plus a number of issue-based plots.
The boss will step down from his role at the end of the month, with a familiar name stepping into his shoes.
Coronation Street's Executive Producer Iain MacLeod has been promoted to Creative Director and will take on all of the editorial responsibility for the soaps.
Sharing the role with him is Matt Cleary, who will be Chief Operating Officer for Continuing Drama. He will be responsible for the day to day running of both production sites in Trafford and Leeds.
In his statement, John also referenced the upcoming reduction of episodes and crossover episode that will air in January.
'With the appointment of Iain MacLeod and Matt Cleary 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' he said.
Want to be the first to hear shocking EastEnders spoilers? Who's leaving Coronation Street? The latest gossip from Emmerdale?
Join 10,000 soaps fans on Metro's WhatsApp Soaps community and get access to spoiler galleries, must-watch videos, and exclusive interviews.
Simply click on this link, select 'Join Chat' and you're in! Don't forget to turn on notifications so you can see when we've just dropped the latest spoilers!
'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.'
Julian Bellamy, Managing Director ITV Studios added: 'John has been a brilliant, inspirational leader at ITV for over 27 years. He's pretty much done it all and done it brilliantly.
'His wisdom, creativity and razor-sharp editorial judgement has powered the soaps success. Alongside many others at ITV, I will miss John hugely and wish him the very best for the future.' More Trending
Kevin Lygo, Managing Director, Media and Entertainment said: 'John has been a stalwart of ITV, the North, and the soaps for a very long time.
'His fingerprints are all over Coronation Street and Emmerdale and they are all the better for it.
'Every twist and turn of the plotlines have had input from John and he will be sorely missed by all that have worked with him.
View More »
He continued: 'ITV and I have been very fortunate to work with such a wonderful man. We wish him well in the next episode of his life.'
If you've got a soap or TV story, video or pictures get in touch by emailing us [e-mail] – we'd love to hear from you.
Join the community by leaving a comment below and stay updated on all things soaps on our homepage.
MORE: 10 character interactions that need to happen in Coronation Street and Emmerdale crossover
MORE: Richard Madeley admits what 'saved his 39-year marriage' to Judy Finnigan
MORE: Jeff Brazier reveals dream to reboot his failed 00s gameshow from 19 years ago