Jane Macnaught, the executive producer of Coronation
Street, has been moved out of her job after
a troubled period at the veteran soap.
Macnaught, who is said not to get on with some
members of the cast, will now work to Granada’s
drama controller, Carolyn Reynolds, in a development
position, leaving the flagship soap without
a producer. Ms Reynolds takes overall charge
of Coronation Street and will appoint a producer
"in due course", Granada said.
"Lacklustre" Concerns
It is understood ITV network centre has been
concerned about the performance of Coronation
Street, which has recently appeared lacklustre
compared with its BBC rival, EastEnders.
The BBC soap has been performing strongly since
it moved to four nights a week this summer,
with a run of high-profile storylines.
Storylines at Coronation Street, which celebrated
its 40th birthday with a live episode last year,
have not had the same impact.
Strained Relations
Relations between Macnaught and the cast soured
when she imposed a new pay regime, reducing
annual retainers and imposing stricter contracts.
A number of long-serving scriptwriters quit
the soap during her three years as executive
producer.
John Whiston, the director of programmes for
Granada Content (North), paid tribute to Macnaught
in a statement, saying she had ensured the show
had gone from "strength to strength".
Huge Pride
Macnaught said: "I have always loved Coronation
Street and have huge pride in what the team
has achieved during my time with the show."
Her first project in her new role will be a
90-minute comedy drama for ITV to be shot in
the new year, and will take responsibility for
day-to-day management of the drama department
in Manchester.
"There are many fantastic and exciting opportunities
coming up for us all," she said.
New Vision
Macnaught was held in high regard at Granada.
But Mr Whiston, newly appointed to the Manchester
programme director position, has a new vision
for the soap and is expected to undertake an
"audit" of the show.
A rocky period is expected ahead as new writers
are brought in to revitalise the veteran soap.
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