Latest news with #JohnWhiston
Daily Mirror
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Corrie and Emmerdale face big changes as ITV turns spotlight on soap budgets
ITV's beloved soaps Coronation Street and Emmerdale could be next in line for cutbacks, with insiders warning budget pressures and schedule shifts may change the shows as we know them After ITV's daytime television shakeup, it's feared the axe could fall again, with the channel's beloved soaps rumoured to be next on the chopping block. According to The Sun, there are whispers that beloved long-runners Coronation Street and Emmerdale could be next in line for dramatic cost-cutting measures. A TV insider confided to The Sun: 'After the Daytime announcement, the big feeling within the soap departments at ITV is the cost-cutting focus will shift to them. There's been some seismic changes already over the past year regarding penny pinching, and many believe that's just the start.' Both Coronation Street and Emmerdale have long been untouchable jewels in ITV's legacy. However, it seems the soaps are more exposed than ever before. 'Given the big audience figures and institutional history within ITV, soaps used to have an untouchable feel about them,' the source added. 'But that's changed significantly, and they now feel more vulnerable than ever.' From January 2026, both shows will be trimmed to five 30-minute episodes per week, dropping an hour of soap content. The rebrand? ITV's so-called 'Power Hour', with Emmerdale airing at 8 pm and Corrie following at 8:30 pm, Monday to Friday. While bosses have pitched the shake-up as a bold new chapter, it's far from a smooth sell behind the scenes. The move is expected to cut up to 75 jobs, and many crew members have reportedly already been drafted into redundancy meetings. The retirement of John Whiston, ITV's veteran Head of Continuing Drama, has only added to the uncertainty. In his place, Iain MacLeod has been promoted to Creative Director, overseeing both soaps with full editorial control. The consolidation has sparked fears of a quiet merger behind the scenes. With MacLeod now the final voice on both shows, staff are wondering if Emmerdale and Corrie will soon share more than just a time slot. Adding fuel to the fire is the much-talked-about crossover episode, the first of its kind set to air as a one-off launch for the new schedule. Although ITV execs have insisted the crossover is a one-off, an insider has told The Sun that this episode will be a mini cost-cutting experiment to see if the crew can work across both soaps. These claims have been strongly denied by ITV. An ITV spokeswoman said: "These claims aren't true. ITV has been clear that the crossover episode is a one-off occasion to launch the new scheduling pattern for Coronation Street and Emmerdale in January 2026. Both programmes will then continue to broadcast separate, individual episodes. The crossover episode will be purely story-driven and is a first for British Soap. "The idea certainly hasn't been conceived for financial reasons. In fact, the spectacular combined launch episode will cost a great deal more than regular episodes. We are proud to have the opportunity to be able to deliver this special moment for fans of both programmes." Despite ITV's denials, there is scepticism. The TV insider said this is a 'genuine glimpse into the future of how crewmembers will be expected to work, being across both soaps', adding: 'there's a feeling significant savings could be made on production costs even if the quality of the output will be seriously affected.' Another source told the publication that cast members on both soaps were 'fuming and concerned by cuts.' Earlier this year, The Sun revealed that Corrie bosses had tightened the purse strings by reducing cast appearances to curb fees, favouring fresher, lower-cost faces over older stars. The daytime television cull at ITV has definitely blindsided many people with Loose Women and Lorraine scaled back drastically, despite solid ratings and recent accolades. Once upon a time, soaps were ITV's proudest exports. However, they may soon be second-tier citizens, with the focus shifting to prestige dramas like Mr Bates vs. The Post Office and sporting events, which are both revenue drivers. Like the Daytime shows, some fear that Emmerdale and Corrie might soon find themselves fighting for survival.
Scottish Sun
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Coronation Street and Emmerdale stars fear soaps ‘could be MERGED forever' to save cash amid ITV cuts
Earlier this year both soaps were reduced to five 30-minute episodes per week, rather than six ITV staffers are still reeling from Tuesday's dramatic culling of Daytime, which left many big names fearing for their jobs. And according to insiders, the bloodbath at the station is set to continue - and next up on the chopping block is likely to be soaps. Advertisement 5 Soap stars are said to be bracing themselves for Corrie and Emmerdale to merge amid the ITV cuts Credit: ITV 5 It's been announced Lorraine will run from 9.30am-10am, on a seasonal basis for 30 weeks of the year Credit: Shutterstock 5 And Loose Women will be in the 12.30-1.30pm slot, again on a seasonal basis for 30 weeks of the year Credit: Shutterstock That's the big concern from cast and crew working on ITV juggernauts Coronation Street and Emmerdale, who are anticipating major changes in the coming months, most of which are filling them with dread. A TV insider told The Sun: 'After the Daytime announcement, the big feeling within the soap departments at ITV is the cost-cutting focus will shift to them. 'There's been some seismic changes already over the past year in regards to penny pinching and many believe that's just the start. 'Given the big audience figures and institutional history within ITV, soaps used to have an untouchable feel about them. Advertisement 'But that's changed significantly and they now feel more vulnerable than ever.' Earlier this year, ITV announced from January 2026, both soaps will be reduced to five 30-minute episodes per week, rather than six, resulting in a one-hour reduction in soap content on the channel. Bosses attempted to spin the new streamlined output by branding the new soap schedule as ITV's new 'Power Hour', with Emmerdale airing at 8pm followed by Coronation Street at 8:30pm, Monday to Friday. However, the move is expected to cut up to 75 jobs, with many crewmembers already drafted into redundancy meetings. Advertisement And with former Managing Director of Continuing Drama and Head of ITV in the North John Whiston retiring this month, Iain MacLeod - who has helmed both Emmerdale and Corrie before - has been promoted. The Executive Producer for Continuing Drama is now Creative Director and takes on all editorial responsibility for leading the creative teams who produce both Emmerdale and Coronation Street. Reporting directly to the managing director of ITV, Iain will be the last word on both shows, adding to a feeling that a merge, at least backstage, is coming. But another great concern is also looming surrounding the highly publicised Coronation Street and Emmerdale crossover episode, created to launch the aforementioned new soap 'Power Hour' next year. Advertisement ITV chiefs have gone on record to confirm the special episode, which will see the many of the characters from both soaps cross paths, as a 'one night only' experience. ITV Daytime Shake-Up: Major Changes to Lorraine and Loose Women Revealed However, insiders claim the move is not just a gimmick to publicise the new schedule, it's also a mini experiment to see if crew can work across both soaps in another cost-cutting exercise. The TV insider added: 'The crossover episode has provided much fanfare but there is a deeper reason behind it. 'Viewers may think it's just Ken Barlow turning up in the Woolpack or Mandy Dingle popping into Roy's Rolls, but behind the wacky plotlines is a genuine glimpse into the future of how crewmembers will be expected to work, being across both soaps. Advertisement 'It's a galling prospect for many but could end up being a reality and there's a feeling significant savings could be made on production costs - even if the quality of the output will be seriously affected.' And another big worry coming from the talent-side is yet more episode cuts. The move to reduce episodes from six to five came as a shock to cast and there's an expectancy the only way is down from here. Another source said: 'Castmembers on both soaps are fuming and also concerned by the cuts. Advertisement 'Their livelihoods are at stake and they feel it puts incredible pressure on the downsized teams to produce the same quality output with over 200 jobs cut. 'It feels like a kick in the teeth,' added the source. The Sun revealed earlier this year cost-cutting on Corrie even saw bosses cut back using multiple characters on each episode to keep appearance fees down. ITV's daytime TV schedule changes in full Good Morning Britain will be extended by 30 minutes to run from 6am to 9.30am daily. Lorraine will run from 9.30am-10am, on a seasonal basis for 30 weeks of the year. During the weeks Lorraine is not on air, Good Morning Britain will run from 6am to 10am. This Morning will remain in its 10am-12.30pm slot on weekdays throughout the year. Loose Women will be in the 12.30-1.30pm slot, again on a seasonal basis for 30 weeks of the year. The changes will take effect from January 2026. Historically, cast would get a standard fee for appearing in an episode - even if it was for just one scene - but that's now been scaled back. And the older stars, many of whom are on big contracts, have been overlooked in favour of using cheaper newcomers. Advertisement ITV showed their ruthless streak this week but culling award-winning shows including Loose Women and Lorraine, sparking anger behind the scenes. Long-running panel show Loose Women will now only be shown in term time and Lorraine has been cut down from one hour episodes to 30-minutes - also airing 30 weeks of the year. The move comes despite Lorraine Kelly's show seeing a ratings spike and Loose Women winning awards. Bosses want both shows, as well as This Morning, to be directed and produced by one team sharing resources and operations. Advertisement The culling of Daytime, and the feared butchering of Coronation Street and Emmerdale, will free up more cash for ITV to make blockbuster dramas, such as Mr Bates vs The Post Office, and improve coverage of big sporting tournaments including the World Cup, which they see as big revenue drivers. Just like soaps used to be… An ITV spokeswoman said: "These claims aren't true. ITV has been clear that the crossover episode is a one-off occasion to launch the new scheduling pattern for Coronation Street and Emmerdale in January 2026. "Both programmes will then continue to broadcast separate, individual episodes. Advertisement "The crossover episode will be purely story driven and is a first for British Soap. "The idea certainly hasn't been conceived for financial reasons. In fact the spectacular combined launch episode will cost a great deal more than regular episodes. "We are proud to have the opportunity to be able to deliver this special moment for fans of both programmes." 5 Corrie legend Ken Barlow, played by Bill Roache Credit: ITV Advertisement
The Irish Sun
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Coronation Street and Emmerdale stars fear soaps ‘could be MERGED forever' to save cash amid ITV cuts
ITV staffers are still reeling from Tuesday's dramatic culling of Daytime, which left many big names fearing for their jobs. And according to insiders, 5 Soap stars are said to be bracing themselves for Corrie and Emmerdale to merge amid the ITV cuts Credit: ITV 5 It's been announced Lorraine will run from 9.30am-10am, on a seasonal basis for 30 weeks of the year Credit: Shutterstock 5 And Loose Women will be in the 12.30-1.30pm slot, again on a seasonal basis for 30 weeks of the year Credit: Shutterstock That's the big concern from cast and crew working on ITV juggernauts Coronation Street and Emmerdale, who are anticipating major changes in the coming months, most of which are filling them with dread. A TV insider told The Sun: 'After the Daytime announcement, the big feeling within the soap departments at ITV is the cost-cutting focus will shift to them. 'There's been some seismic changes already over the past year in regards to penny pinching and many believe that's just the start. 'Given the big audience figures and institutional history within ITV, soaps used to have an untouchable feel about them. More on Coronation Street 'But that's changed significantly and they now feel more vulnerable than ever.' Earlier this year, ITV announced from January 2026, Bosses attempted to spin the new streamlined output by branding the new soap schedule as ITV's new 'Power Hour', with Emmerdale airing at 8pm followed by Coronation Street at 8:30pm, Monday to Friday. However, the move is expected to cut up to 75 jobs, with many crewmembers already drafted into redundancy meetings. Most read in Soaps And with former Managing Director of Continuing Drama and Head of ITV in the North John Whiston retiring this month, Iain MacLeod - who has helmed both Emmerdale and Corrie before - has been promoted. The Executive Producer for Continuing Drama is now Creative Director and takes on all editorial responsibility for leading the creative teams who produce both Emmerdale and Coronation Street. Reporting directly to the managing director of ITV, Iain will be the last word on both shows, adding to a feeling that a merge, at least backstage, is coming. But another great concern is also looming surrounding ITV chiefs have gone on record to confirm the special episode, which will see the many of the characters from both soaps cross paths, as a 'one night only' experience. ITV Daytime Shake-Up: Major Changes to Lorraine and Loose Women Revealed However, insiders claim the move is not just a gimmick to publicise the new schedule, it's also a mini experiment to see if crew can work across both soaps in another cost-cutting exercise. The TV insider added: 'The crossover episode has provided much fanfare but there is a deeper reason behind it. 'Viewers may think it's just Ken Barlow turning up in the Woolpack or Mandy Dingle popping into Roy's Rolls, but behind the wacky plotlines is a genuine glimpse into the future of how crewmembers will be expected to work, being across both soaps. 'It's a galling prospect for many but could end up being a reality and there's a feeling significant savings could be made on production costs - even if the quality of the output will be seriously affected.' And another big worry coming from the talent-side is yet more episode cuts. The move to reduce episodes from six to five came as a shock to cast and there's an expectancy the only way is down from here. Another source said: 'Castmembers on both soaps are fuming and also concerned by the cuts. 'Their livelihoods are at stake and they feel it puts incredible pressure on the downsized teams to produce the same quality output with over 200 jobs cut. 'It feels like a kick in the teeth,' added the source. The Sun revealed earlier this year cost-cutting on Corrie even saw bosses cut back using multiple characters on each episode to keep appearance fees down. ITV's daytime TV schedule changes in full Good Morning Britain will be extended by 30 minutes to run from 6am to 9.30am daily. Lorraine will run from 9.30am-10am, on a seasonal basis for 30 weeks of the year. During the weeks Lorraine is not on air, Good Morning Britain will run from 6am to 10am. This Morning will remain in its 10am-12.30pm slot on weekdays throughout the year. Loose Women will be in the 12.30-1.30pm slot, again on a seasonal basis for 30 weeks of the year. The changes will take effect from January 2026. Historically, cast would get a standard fee for appearing in an episode - even if it was for just one scene - but that's now been scaled back. And the older stars, many of whom are on big contracts, have been overlooked in favour of using cheaper newcomers. ITV showed their ruthless streak this week but culling award-winning shows including Loose Women and Lorraine, Long-running panel show Loose Women will now only be shown in term time and Lorraine has been cut down from one hour episodes to 30-minutes - also airing 30 weeks of the year. The move comes despite Lorraine Kelly's show seeing a ratings spike and Loose Women winning awards. Bosses want both shows, as well as This Morning, to be directed and produced by one team sharing resources and operations. The culling of Daytime, and the feared butchering of Coronation Street and Emmerdale, will free up more cash for ITV to make blockbuster dramas, such as Mr Bates vs The Post Office, and improve coverage of big sporting tournaments including the World Cup, which they see as big revenue drivers. Just like soaps used to be… An ITV spokeswoman said: "These claims aren't true. ITV has been clear that the crossover episode is a one-off occasion to launch the new scheduling pattern for Coronation Street and Emmerdale in January 2026. "Both programmes will then continue to broadcast separate, individual episodes. "The crossover episode will be purely story driven and is a first for British Soap. "The idea certainly hasn't been conceived for financial reasons. In fact the spectacular combined launch episode will cost a great deal more than regular episodes. "We are proud to have the opportunity to be able to deliver this special moment for fans of both programmes." 5 Corrie legend Ken Barlow, played by Bill Roache Credit: ITV 5 Long-serving Emmerdale resident Mandy Dingle, played by Lisa Riley Credit: ITV
The Sun
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Coronation Street and Emmerdale boss QUITS after 30 years as ITV soaps set for huge shake-up after cash crisis
CORONATION Street and Emmerdale boss John Whiston has quit ITV after nearly 30 years. The channel veteran has overseen epic live episodes and helped shape storylines that have pulled in millions of viewers. 2 2 In a statement, 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. 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. "And 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." Replacing him will be Iain MacLeod as Creative Director and Matt Cleary as Chief Operating Officer. John continued: "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.' Tributes to the highly-respected TV man came from the very top of the station. 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. 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.' Whiston began his career at the BBC where he helped BBC2 rival BBC1 for viewing figures after introducing theme nights. He also launched hugely successful shows like Vic & Bob's Shooting Stars and Lee & Herring's Fist of Fun. A move to Manchester saw him commission and produce iconic shows that are still much-loved to this day. Among them was Red Dwarf, The Mrs Merton Show and The Royle Family. He switched to rival ITV in 1999 as Director of Programmes at Yorkshire TV, immediately making an impact on the likes of Emmerdale, Heartbeat and A Touch of Frost. His stellar eye for a good drama showed no sign of abating with At Home with the Braithwaites, Fat Friends and Lost For Words among his successes. Whiston followed this by taking over ITV's drama stable including programmes like Poirot, Marple, Prime Suspect, Vera, Lewis, the Oscar-winning feature film, The Queen and Coronation Street. He was promoted to Director of ITV Productions in 2005, a role he held for five years before finishing as Managing Director of Continuing Drama and Head of ITV in the North.
