Sophie Roper has joined the Emmerdale team as a producer.
Alongside fellow producer Laura Shaw, newcomer Sophie – who has also worked on Coronation Street – will take creative responsibility for the ITV soap’s storytelling, casting and the production process.
She will be part of the production team and will work in conjunction with Executive Producer for Continuing Drama, Iain MacLeod and John Whiston, Managing Director of Continuing Drama and Head of ITV in the North and ITV’s Drama Commissioner, Huw Kennair-Jones.
Discussing Sophie’s arrival, Iain said: ‘Sophie is a real talent and has a natural eye for a big, bold story so she is the perfect person to maintain Emmerdale’s tradition of challenging, exciting narratives. I am thrilled that she has made the well-deserved step up into her new role and with her as a more senior part of the very talented team in Leeds, viewers will be in for an engrossing, exhilarating and emotional ride.’
ITV’s Drama Commissioner Huw Kennair-Jones added: ‘After a brilliant tenure as Story Producer, we’re thrilled Sophie will be joining Laura to Produce Emmerdale, bringing to the role a wealth of creative storytelling and passion for the show. I can’t wait to see what she has in store for the residents of the village, it’s safe to say there won’t be a dull moment!’
Sophie has been in her new role since April of this year, when Kate Brooks left the soap to become Coronation Street’s latest producer.
She is moving from her role as Story Producer for Emmerdale after working within the team since 2016.
During Sophie’s time working on Coronation Street, she was part of the team who developed storylines for 2015’s live episode which saw Callum Logan killed by Sarah Platt (Tina O’Brien). His body was then buried under the floor of Gail’s (Helen Worth) ‘granny-flat’ extension, where it lay undetected for the best part of a year.
She also contributed to the narrative involving serial killer Pat Phelan.
‘As a lifelong soap fan, I feel privileged to be part of such an iconic and well- loved programme and I’m thrilled to be taking the show forward as Producer, alongside an incredibly talented and dedicated team’, Sophie said.
‘Emmerdale truly is a special place both on and offscreen and as we embark on this next chapter, I look forward to bringing more bold and ground breaking drama to the Dales.’
Sophie also contributed to the long-running storyline about serial killer Pat Phelan (Picture: ITV)
In Emmerdale, Sophie has been responsible for helping to develop plots including Maya Stepney’s (Louisa Clein) grooming of Jacob (Joe-Warren Plant), Meena’s (Paige Sandhu) arrival to the village and her murderous rampage, as well as Faith Dingle’s (Sally Dexter) cancer storyline.
There’s been a great deal of change within the teams at Coronation Street and Emmerdale lately so, in case you’re in need of a refresher, here are the updates:
Sophie Roper and Laura Shaw now work as Emmerdale’s producers. Former producer for the soap Kate Brooks is now the boss of Coronation Street while Iain MacLeod, who Kate replaced, now works as Executive Producer for ITV’s Continuing Drama.
