Former Emmerdale Series Producer Kathleen Beedles will be producing Heartbeat as it prepares for its next series.

The popular ITV1 drama, which regularly attracts between 8 and 9 million viewers, has been re-commissioned by the ITV1 drama commissioning team.

ITV1’s longest running drama series goes from strength to strength, as new producer Kathleen will be responsible for producing its eighteenth series.

Kathleen was the Series Producer on Emmerdale from January 2005 until December 2007 and was responsible for the hugely popular ‘Who Killed Tom King?’ storyline, the explosive 35th anniversary episode that culminated in the fire which engulfed Jack Sugden’s home, and the introduction of much loved characters including Jo Stiles, Lexi Nicholls and David Metcalfe. During Kathleen’s time on Emmerdale, as well as winning a number of soap awards, Emmerdale won the RTS award for best soap in 2005 and was nominated for a BAFTA in 2007.

Heartbeat has been produced by Archie Tait for the last four series. During his time as Producer, Archie introduced Jonathan Kerrigan as PC Rob Walker and has recently cast Joe McFadden as lead cop PC Joe Mason. Archie was responsible for the dramatic departure of Helen Trent, and finally brought together the much loved characters Gina Ward and Phil Bellamy, before the dramatic shooting that lead to Bellamy’s death. Archie has also recently cast Nikki Sanderson who will first appear on our screens as Bellamy’s niece, later this year.

Archie, who will continue to produce Heartbeat until May when the filming of Series 17 is complete, yesterday said:

“I have had a fantastic four years on Heartbeat and I’m very proud of what the show has achieved. I’m delighted to hand over the reins to Kathleen; I know Heartbeat will be in safe hands.”

Kathleen Beedles, who has already started to work on the preparation for Series 18 of Heartbeat that will begin filming at the end of May, added:

“After three amazing years as Emmerdale’s Series Producer it’s great to have a new challenge. I’ve always loved Heartbeat and am looking forward to building on the success of the past 17 years.”