Kate Oates, a former story editor for Emmerdale, has been appointed as the new producer of the soap.

She will join Emmerdale in January, replacing Stuart Blackburn, who is leaving to produce Coronation Street.

Oates was story editor on ITV’s Emmerdale from 2010, before leaving to join Coronation Street earlier this year as assistant producer.

From 2003 until 2010 she was producer of The Archers on BBC Radio 4.

Oates said: “I always thought I would go back to Emmerdale, but I never expected it to happen so quickly. I’m delighted to be Emmerdale’s new producer as I’m passionate about the programme and everyone who works on the show.”

She will report to John Whiston, creative director of soaps at ITV Studios.

Whiston said he could not “think of many people more in tune with the vibrant spirit of modern Emmerdale” than Oates.