Instruct: Given a question, retrieve relevant documents that answer the question.
Query: Who is head writer for the British soap opera Emmerdale?
Emmerdale (known as Emmerdale Farm until 1989) is a British soap opera set in Emmerdale (known as Beckindale until 1994), a fictional village in the Yorkshire Dales. Created by Kevin Laffan, "Emmerdale Farm" was first broadcast on 16 October 1972. Produced by ITV Yorkshire, it has been filmed at their Leeds studio since its inception. The programme is broadcast in every ITV region.
On 3 March 2008, Paul and Jonny made British television history by becoming the first couple on a primetime soap opera to enter a civil partnership since the Civil Partnership Act 2004 came into force on 5 December 2005. Although radio soap "The Archers" and daytime soap "Doctors" had previously featured civil partnerships, "Emmerdale" was the first primetime soap opera to do so. Matthew Bose, who plays Paul, said he was "proud" "Emmerdale" was the first, and commented that soaps "have a great responsibility to show things as they change and be cutting edge".
Kate Oates (born 1979/1980) is a British television producer, known for her work on the soap operas "The Archers", "Emmerdale", "Coronation Street" and "EastEnders".
Oliver Horsbrugh (1937 – August 2009) was a British television director most recently for "Emmerdale". He also directed episodes of the top rated ITV1 soap opera, "Coronation Street", from the early 1970s. He won a BAFTA as part of the "Emmerdale" team in 2001 when the programme was awarded the Best Soap Award.
Following Halfpenny's departure from "Casualty" in January 2019, speculation began that she would reprise her role as Amy. However, Halfpenny stated that she would not be returning to "Emmerdale", as she wanted to do other things with her career. On 21 January, Jess Less of "Digital Spy" confirmed the character of Amy would be returning to the show, but with Natalie Ann Jamieson in the role. Of her casting, Jamieson said "I feel very lucky to be joining the cast of such a loved and respected show. I'm very grateful for this opportunity, and can't wait to find out what the future holds for Amy!" Halfpenny later gave her approval to Jamieson taking over her role.
From 1995–2013, Ashdown was series consultant and lead writer on "EastEnders". He was involved in the creation of the Slater family, and along with other writers, developed the characters around the actors themselves, rather than the other way round. He created the character of Max Branning and was responsible for numerous key episodes such as Ethel Skinner's death, Stacey Slater's bipolar and the "Who Killed Archie?" storyline. In 2010 he wrote the twenty fifth anniversary live episode, ""EastEnders" Live". More recent episodes that he has written include Pat Evans' death, Mandy Salter's second exit, Janine Butcher's temporary exit, the aftermath of David Wicks' return and the Jake Stone and Sadie Young reveal. He returned to "EastEnders" to write the Christmas 2017 episode which saw Tanya Branning return and Abi Branning and Lauren Branning fall from a rooftop. He then returned to write the Christmas 2018 episodes, in which Hayley Slater pushes Alfie Moon down the stairs and he then kidnaps their daughter, Cherry Slater.
Oates' appointment as the series producer of "Coronation Street", succeeding Blackburn, was announced on 18 September 2015. Oates was delighted to join the soap, describing the move as "exiciting" and adding that she felt honoured to do so. Oates joined the soap in early 2016. On the move from "Emmerdale" to "Coronation Street", she commented, "But as much as "Emmerdale" has meant the world to me "Corrie" also has a special place in my heart." John Whiston felt that Oates was the perfect person to become the series producer of the soap. Blackburn described the position as "one of the best jobs in television" and wished Oates luck. Roberts opined that Oates would make an "ideal" producer for the series and believed that she had "all the qualities to be a big success as producer of "Coronation Street"". Mark Jefferies of "Daily Mirror" thought that Oates would be the ""Coronation Street" saviour". Oates was first credited in the position in episode 8968, first broadcast on 15 August 2016.
Emma, by Jane Austen, is a novel about youthful hubris and the perils of misconstrued romance. The story takes place in the fictional village of Highbury and the surrounding estates of Hartfield, Randalls, and Donwell Abbey and involves the relationships among individuals in those locations consisting of "3 or 4 families in a country village". The novel was first published in December 1815 while the author was alive, with its title page listing a publication date of 1816. As in her other novels, Austen explores the concerns and difficulties of genteel women living in Georgian–Regency England; she also creates a lively comedy of manners among her characters and depicts issues of marriage, gender, age, and social status.
The following are characters who first appeared, or returned, in the BBC soap opera "EastEnders" during 2010 listed by order of first appearance. Executive producer Diederick Santer left "EastEnders" on 26 February 2010, handing over to Bryan Kirkwood, who fully took control from 1 March 2010.
The programme was created by writer David Wolstencroft, and produced by Kudos for the BBC. A trademark style, coupled with the series' popularity, attracted a large number of high-profile guest stars. These included Martine McCutcheon, Hugh Laurie, Haluk Bilginer, Robert Hardy, Tim McInnerny, Bruce Payne, Reece Dinsdale, Ian McDiarmid, Ewen Bremner, Jimi Mistry, Andy Serkis, Benedict Cumberbatch, Kevin McNally, Rupert Graves, Andrew Tiernan, Anton Lesser, Anupam Kher, Alexander Siddig, and Anthony Head.
Michelle Fowler (also Holloway) is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera "EastEnders", played by Susan Tully from the first episode in 1985 until the character's departure in 1995. In December 2016, it was announced Michelle would be returning to the show after 21 years, with actress Jenna Russell taking over the role making her first appearance on 24 December 2016. In her first stint Michelle made some huge mistakes during her time in Albert Square mainly through having a habit of choosing the wrong men and her stubborn nature meant that she rarely accepted help or listened to good advice. Being determined and outspoken, she has never been afraid to defend herself or her beliefs. Since the recast to Russell in 2016, Michelle's storylines have revolved around her having had an illegal relationship with her student, Preston Cooper (Martin Anzor) in America, a love triangle involving her niece Bex Fowler (Jasmine Armfield), crashing Phil Mitchell car into the local chip shop and being stalked by Tom Bailey (Daniel Casey). Russell's departure from the show was announced in March 2018, and Michelle departed on 17 April 2018.
The thirtieth series of the British medical drama television series "Casualty" commenced airing on BBC One in the United Kingdom on 29 August 2015, and concluded on 30 July 2016. The series consisted of 43 episodes, including the broadcast of the show's 1000th episode on 25 June 2016. Erika Hossington continued her role as series producer, while Oliver Kent continued his role as the show's executive producer. Seventeen cast members reprised their roles from the previous series with five actors, including three long-serving cast members, departing during this series. Chelsea Halfpenny appeared in the serial between September and November 2015 as F2 Alicia Munroe, reprising the role as a main cast member in July 2016. Alistair Brammer joined the cast for a four-month guest stint as receptionist Jack Diamond in December 2015. Three new regular cast members joined the serial in spring 2016: Lloyd Everitt as paramedic Jez Andrews; Jason Durr as staff nurse David Hide; and Jaye Griffiths as consultant Elle Gardner.
In the latter part of 1989, "EastEnders" acquired a new executive producer named Michael Ferguson, who took over from Mike Gibbon. Ferguson had previously been a producer on ITV's "The Bill" – a hard-hitting, gritty and successful police drama, which seemed to be challenging "EastEnders" in providing a realistic vision of modern life in London. Due to his success on "The Bill", Peter Cregeen, the Head of Series at the BBC, poached Ferguson to become executive producer of "EastEnders".
Cora Cross is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera "EastEnders", played by Ann Mitchell. Cora is the mother of Tanya Branning (Jo Joyner) and Rainie Cross (Tanya Franks) and the grandmother of Lauren (Jacqueline Jossa) and Abi Branning (Lorna Fitzgerald). Cora initially appeared from 11 to 15 April 2011, and returned as a regular character on 28 July. Cora is described as having "a brash, outspoken attitude and does not care who she offends", deemed "an archetypal East End matriarch" and "Inside Soap" says that Cora is a "brash, loud lady who likes to tell everyone what she thinks and has absolutely no shame."
In the latter part of 1989 "EastEnders" acquired a new executive producer named Michael Ferguson, who took over from Mike Gibbon. Ferguson had previously been a producer on ITV's "The Bill" – a hard-hitting, gritty and successful police drama, which seemed to be challenging "EastEnders" in providing a realistic vision of modern life in London. Due to his success on "The Bill", Peter Cregeen, the Head of Series at the BBC, poached Ferguson to become executive producer of "EastEnders".
Emma Pillsbury Schuester (previously Pillsbury-Howell) is a fictional character from the Fox musical comedy-drama series "Glee". Portrayed by actress Jayma Mays, Emma has appeared in "Glee" from its pilot episode, first broadcast on May 19, 2009. Emma was developed by "Glee" creators Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk and Ian Brennan. She is a guidance counselor at the fictional William McKinley High School in Lima, Ohio where the series is set. Emma suffers from obsessive-compulsive disorder and has romantic feelings for glee club director Will Schuester (Matthew Morrison), but becomes engaged to football coach Ken Tanaka (Patrick Gallagher) as Will is married. Ken ultimately breaks up with her on their wedding day because of her feelings for Will, and when Will leaves his wife Terri (Jessalyn Gilsig), he and Emma share a kiss. Their relationship is short-lived, and in the second season, Emma and her dentist boyfriend Carl Howell (John Stamos) marry in Las Vegas. The wedding is later annulled as it was unconsummated. At the beginning of the third season, she and Will are living together; they become engaged shortly after New Years, and consummate their relationship near the end of the school year. Emma leaves Will at the altar midway through the fourth season, but the two later reconcile and marry in the season finale. She becomes pregnant during the middle of the fifth season.
In the latter part of 1989 "EastEnders" acquired a new executive producer named Michael Ferguson, who took over from Mike Gibbon. Ferguson had previously been a producer on ITV's "The Bill" — a hard-hitting, gritty and successful police drama, which seemed to be challenging "EastEnders" in providing a realistic vision of modern life in London. Due to his success on "The Bill", Peter Cregeen, the Head of Series at the BBC, poached Ferguson to become executive producer of "EastEnders".
In late 1989 "EastEnders" acquired a new executive producer, Michael Ferguson, who took over from Mike Gibbon. Ferguson had previously been a producer on ITV's "The Bill" which seemed to be challenging "EastEnders" in providing a realistic vision of modern life in London. Due to his success on "The Bill", Peter Cregeen, the Head of Series at the BBC, poached Ferguson to become executive producer of "EastEnders".
Sarah Platt (also Tilsley and Grimshaw) is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera "Coronation Street". She was born on-screen during the episode broadcast on 2 February 1987. She was played by Leah King in 1987 and by Lynsay King from 1987 until 8 October 1999 when King opted to leave to focus on her education. Tina O'Brien took over the role on 31 October 1999; she opted to leave in 2007 and made her final on-screen appearance on 30 December 2007. A number of false rumours about O'Brien returning to the role surfaced during her absence from the serial. In October 2014, it was announced that O'Brien would reprise the role, she returned on screen on 30 March 2015.
Michelle Fowler (also Holloway), played by Susan Tully from 1985 to 1995 and Jenna Russell since 2016, is the daughter of Arthur Fowler (Bill Treacher) and Pauline Fowler (Wendy Richard). Although she is one of the brighter people in Walford, that does not stop Michelle making some huge mistakes during her time in Albert Square. Michelle has a habit of choosing the wrong men and her stubborn nature means that she rarely accepts anyone's help or listens to good advice. She is tough, feisty, determined, outspoken and never afraid to defend herself or her beliefs. Early on in the series, the character of Michelle becomes central to the programme and is the focus of a controversial storyline involving her teenage pregnancy. Press interest in the show escalated to "record levels" as journalists continuously tried to predict who had fathered Michelle's baby. In whodunnit fashion, the audience had been kept in the dark as to the real identity of the father and were given teasers implicating several residents on The Square. The audience finally discovered the culprit in episode 66 of the programme, October 1985. The episode was written by series co-creator/script editor Tony Holland and directed by co-creator/producer Julia Smith, and was considered to be a landmark episode in the show's history. Four possible suspects are seen leaving the Square in the early half of the episode: Tony Carpenter (Oscar James), Ali Osman (Nejdet Salih), Andy O'Brien (Ross Davidson) and Den Watts (Leslie Grantham). As Michelle waits by their rendezvous point a car pulls up and finally the fluffy white legs of Roly the poodle bound out of the car, and give it all away: Den Watts is the man meeting Michelle and it was he who had fathered her baby. The rest of the episode consists of just one long scene, where Den and Michelle discuss whether or not to keep the baby. Up to that time it was the longest scene ever done in a soap-opera, lasting fifteen minutes.
The first series of "Spooks" was produced by Kudos Film and Television for the BBC. David Wolstencroft was credited as the series creator, Simon Crawford Collins as the producer, and Jane Featherstone as the series producer. The executive producers of the first series were Kudos director Stephen Garrett and Head of Independent Drama Commissioning for the BBC, Gareth Neame. The series includes three screenwriters, and three directors. Wolstencroft wrote the first two episodes and finale of series one. Simon Mirren wrote the third episode. Howard Brenton wrote the last three episodes, co-writing the finale with Wolstencroft. The producers hired Brenton for his "radical" and "provocative" style. By the time he was hired it had been sixteen years since he last wrote for television.
The premise of "Emmerdale Farm" was similar to the BBC radio soap opera "The Archers", focusing on a family, a farm and characters in a nearby village. The programme's farmyard filming was originally modelled on RTÉ's "The Riordans", an Irish soap opera which was broadcast from the mid-1960s to the end of the 1970s. "The Riordans" broke new ground for soap operas by being filmed largely outdoors (on a farm, owned on the programme by Tom and Mary Riordan) rather than in a studio—the usual practice of British and American soap operas. The programme pioneered farmyard location shooting, with farm animals and equipment. During the 1960s and 1970s, outdoor filming of television programmes with outdoor broadcast units (OBUs) was in its infancy due to higher costs and reliance on the weather. "The Riordans" success demonstrated that a soap opera could be filmed largely outdoors, and Yorkshire Television sent people to its set in County Meath to see the programme's production firsthand.
Andy Halls of "The Sun" reported on 22 July 2018 that Oates had entered negotiations with the BBC to become the executive producer of their soap opera, "EastEnders". A BBC spokesperson told Halls that producers liked her work on "Coronation Street" and felt it would suit the tone of "EastEnders". Over two weeks later, it was announced that Oates would become the senior executive producer of "EastEnders" as well as BBC medical dramas "Casualty" and "Holby City". Oates will primarily work with the team at "EastEnders" and will work alongside the show's current executive consultant, John Yorke from October to December 2018 to provide a "smooth handover". Afterwards, Oates will have sole responsibility for the show. Oates relished in the chance to be involved in the production of the three shows. She commented, "I'm excited about meeting the teams and talent behind each show and can't wait to get stuck in and tell some unmissable stories." Mark Linsey, the CCO of BBC Studios, called Oates a "dynamic, passionate and creative storyteller" and looked forward to her joining the studios. Charlotte Moore was very pleased with Oates' appointment and said in a press release, "she has a real passion for soaps and I have no doubt that her experience, creative flair and dynamism will excite the next generation of BBC One soap fans." Piers Wenger, the controller of BBC Drama, opined that Oates had an "unrivalled" ability to make soaps and continuing dramas popular and "talked about". He predicted that she would be "brilliant" in her new position.
On 3 March 2008, Paul and Jonny made British television history by becoming the first couple on a primetime soap opera to enter a civil partnership since the Civil Partnership Act 2004 came into force on 5 December 2005. Although radio soap "The Archers" and daytime soap "Doctors" had previously featured civil partnerships, "Emmerdale" was the first primetime soap opera to do so. Bose said he was proud "Emmerdale" was the first, and commented that soaps "have a great responsibility to show things as they change and be cutting edge".
Paul Lambert is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera, "Emmerdale", played by Mathew Bose. Paul appeared between 2004 and 2009. He arrives as the son of existing characters Val Lambert (Charlie Hardwick) and Rodney Blackstock (Patrick Mower) and in 2008 Paul, who is openly gay, enters into a civil partnership with Jonny Foster, the first of any primetime soap opera. In 2015, Bose made brief returns to the show, on two separate occasions, one being in March and the other being in September.