Horsforth TV producer switches soaps after 'flawless' live episode (From Ilkley Gazette)

Horsforth TV producer switches soaps after 'flawless' live episode

7:00am Saturday 27th October 2012 in News By Annette McIntyre

Emmerdale’s producer is going out on a high after a “flawless” live episode was watched by more than ten million people.

The potentially risky live produc-tion prompted a stream of praise from TV pundits, who described it as “brilliant” and “a cracker”.

The success of the show has delighted series producer Stuart Blackburn, who is just weeks away from taking up a new mantle as producer of rival soap Coronation Street.

Mr Blackburn, who lives in Horsforth, said: “Literally months of work went into the creation of our live episode.

“This hour-long drama based entirely on location was a feat never before attempted, and as such we knew we were taking a huge risk.

“Oddly, the aim of any live episode is to make it look as good as a recorded one. I believe we surpassed this and created an almost flawless hour of exciting, moving and funny drama that reminded people just how good a show Emmerdale is.

“We were delighted, and it’s a testament to the whole Emmerdale team that our 40th year was celebrated with such style and skill.”

Mr Blackburn, who started his career in television 16 years ago as a storyliner on Emmerdale, went on to build a successful career developing, producing and writing for television before returning to the popular ITV soap.

He takes up his new role with Coronation Street in January, where he has previously work as story editor.

“I’m in the very privileged position of producing Emmerdale’s hour-long live episode to celebrate the programme’s 40th birthday and I get to produce Coronation Street too,” he said.

“Life just couldn’t get any better. Emmerdale is a very special programme to me, as I was born and brought up in West Yorkshire. I’m in total admiration of the cast and production team as they are all incredibly talented people. They do an amazing job and I’ll be sad to leave them.

“Coronation Street also has a place in my heart, as I believe passionately in story-telling, and although I recognise it’s a massive respons-ibility, I have the best job in the world,” he added.