BBC Studios Productions has appointed Kate Oates as Head of Drama Productions.
Her appointment follows news last week that Priscilla Parish is stepping down at Head of Drama Productions at BBC Studios.
Oates joined BBC Studios in 2018 as a Senior Executive Producer, and in 2019 took on the role of Head of Continuing Drama. She produced ITV’s Coronation Street between 2016-2018, and Emmerdale from 2013-2016, making her the only person to helm all three of the UK’s top continuing dramas. She previously produced the BBC Radio 4’s The Archers.
Reporting to Mark Linsey, President, Scripted Productions, Oates will retain responsibility for her current slate of programmes: EastEnders, Casualty, Father Brown, Sister Boniface, River City, Pobol Y Cwm, and new comedy-drama Anfamol.
Oates and her team will also manage Silent Witness when it moves to the West Midlands, a slate of new drama developments for both the BBC and domestic and international channels and platforms, the BBC Studios Casting department and develop a UK training strategy for Scripted TV Production within BBC Studios.
Oates’ senior leadership team includes Deborah Sathe as Creative Director, and Siân O’Callaghan, as Director of Production, BBC Studios Drama Productions. As well as overseeing production, Sathe will manage the slate of new developments. She will also lead the training initiative, extending its remit across all scripted production in BBC Studios and working with its independent production labels. O’Callaghan oversees all production, as well as leading the strategic and business planning of BBC Drama Productions.
Linsey said: “Kate has a proven track record as a creative leader of outstanding, award-winning popular drama. She already demonstrates her passion and commitment to talent and storytelling across the UK and I know she is going to deliver more new drama in this wider role.”
Oates said: “I’m beyond delighted to move into the role of Head of Drama Productions at BBC Studios. Together with my incredible team, we are looking forward to creating new dramas to exist alongside our already iconic brands, as well as innovative training opportunities that we believe will benefit our industry as a whole.”
You are not signed in
Only registered users can comment on this article.
IBC2025 Conference to tackle M&E industry’s business-critical challenges
Running across three days, from 12-15 September, the IBC2025 Conference is set to welcome visionary speakers, industry leaders and innovators to tackle some of the biggest talking points across the media and entertainment industry.
UKTV Chief Creative Officer Richard Watsham to depart
Richard Watsham, Chief Creative Officer at UKTV and Global Director of Acquisitions for BBC Studios/UKTV, is stepping down from his roles in September after a 14-year tenure in the business.
IBC x Google Cloud Hackfest Dry-run Lights Up London and Dublin
The IBC x Google Cloud Hackfest Supported by Formula E kicked off in London Friday July 4 with a stellar cast of ITV, Sky, Channel 4 and RTE engineer teams, supported by Google coaches.
BBC tells senior staff to step back following Glastonbury row
The BBC has reportedly told a small number of senior staff to step back from their day-to-day duties on music and live events in the wake of the Glastonbury broadcast of Bob Vylan's controversial set.
Netflix in talks with Spotify about live music events
Netflix has held reportedly talks with Spotify about collaborating on music-focused live events projects as both streaming platforms seek new offerings to drive growth.
.jpg)
