Coronation Street is saying goodbye to yet another face – but this time one behind the scenes.
Amid a wave of cast exits, it has been confirmed that the ITV soap’s Head of Production is leaving after 13 years to join a rival soap.
Lee Rayner is swapping Weatherfield for Chester to become Hollyoaks’ new Head of Production.
In his new role, Lee will reunite with Hollyoaks boss Hannah Cheers, who he previously worked with on Corrie.
In a statement, Lee said: ‘I am thrilled to be embarking on a new adventure at Lime Pictures as Head of Production for Hollyoaks and helping to deliver such an engaging high-end drama.
‘I’m also very excited to reunite once again with the incredibly talented Hannah Cheers and really looking forward to getting to know and working with the production team, who have an industry-wide reputation as highly-skilled filmmakers.
‘I will also miss Coronation Street, my 13 years with the programme has flown by and I have loved working on such an iconic show and working alongside such talented and passionate people.’
The MD of Lime Pictures, who produce Hollyoaks for Channel 4, John Whittle added: ‘We are delighted that Lee is coming to us from a much-loved programme, as well-oiled as Coronation Street, at delivering ambitious drama with a tightly moving schedule.
‘Lee also brings a background in prime-time drama which is a bonus, as unlike other soaps Hollyoaks is filmed single-camera, which brings a different look and feel to it and is hugely valued by the younger-skewed audience.
‘We welcome him aboard in an exciting year, as we approach the 30th anniversary in autumn.’
This year is set to be one of huge change for Coronation Street, with several actors confirming their exits from the soap over the past few weeks.
Earlier this week, a number of Coronation Street stars spoke out about reports of a ‘crisis’ backstage on the ITV soap.
Andy Whyment, who plays Kirk Sutherland, posted on Instagram: ‘I’d just like to say that the show is not on its knees and there is most certainly not a cast revolt as one article has said.
‘Please don’t believe everything you read, I for at least one cast member am extremely happy and feel very grateful to still be working on Coronation Street,’ he added.
‘Well said darling, me too proud to be part of the Corrie team,’ Claire Sweeney, who plays Cassie Plummer said, while DS Lisa Swain star Vicky Myers added: ‘Absolutely!! Well said Andy.’
