There are ‘big plans’ for the ITV soap in 2025

Coronation Street has confirmed there are exits to come in 2025 that’ll cause ‘shockwaves’ as the show’s newest boss laid out her vision for life on the cobbles.

After former producer Iain MacLeod was moved into a new role overseeing the beloved Manchester soap and its Leeds-based counterpart Emmerdale, it was Kate Brooks who was announced back in March as Corrie’s new producer.

She began her role in April 2024, in which she reports to Iain as well as John Whiston, Managing Director for Continuing Drama, and Head of ITV in the North, and ITV Drama Commissioner, Huw Kennair-Jones, but the impact of her work has only been seen more recently.

Kate, who was previously a producer on Emmerdale, has since shared her vision for the beloved ITV soap as she spoke to press, including the Manchester Evening News, about what’s to come in 2025.

“I’ve made no attempt to disguise the fact that I am a fan of Coronation Street. I love the show, I think it’s brilliant,” she told us. “I just really want to make sure that the audience are entertained. I think it’s important that we tell gritty, issue-led stories – and we’ve got those coming up in abundance – but it’s about packaging them in the right way and keeping them fresh and different, without losing the DNA of Corrie.

“What makes Corrie so wonderful is the familiarity of it. It’s the wit, it’s the characters. All of these stories have been packaged with that in mind. That will be at the heart of everyone. I love telling stories in non-linear ways. I love big, bold, stunt storytelling. I think taking a story and telling it in a completely different way that changes people’s perspectives is really good for the show. I want to do more of that. As long as we root these stories in reality then the audience will come with us.

She went on: “Coming up in 2025, there’s loads of really exciting stuff. There’s loads of shocks coming up. Just when you think a story is going in one direction, we do a complete 360 and it goes in a completely different direction. I think bold, innovative storytelling is key. Exciting, thrilling drama that really keeps the audience captivated. Compelling drama, but at the heart of it there needs to be a truth, and I always seek to find the truth in those stories.

“I am genuinely, not just as a producer but as a fan, excited about what’s coming up, because all the stories are on fire! It feels like we’ve got all the big plans in place. The Platts are going to feature really heavily. We’ve got the Websters, building that clan and seeing those dynamics. The Connors, with Lisa and Carla and Betsy and Ryan. Building that family and building the factory. We’ve got lots coming up that is going to be really exciting.”

Kate then added: “My vision is making sure that we keep people engaged, keep people entertained and keep people guessing! We don’t want them to become complacent, we want to pull the rug from underneath them sometimes. We want them to be sat at home with a cup of tea and a biscuit and have something happen that they did not expect. So, expect the unexpected in 2025!”

During the chat, Kate was asked about exits from the cobbles following the recent farewell to Helen Worth after 50 years of playing Gail Platt. “There are a few exits this year, and some unexpected ones that will send shockwaves,” she teased. “People might not expect the exits, but there are a few…”