‘The Only Way Is Essex’ prodco Lime Pictures snags VIS UK alum Joe McLusky

The Only Way Is Essex

Lime Pictures, the All3Media-owned UK producer behind The Only Way Is Essex, has rehired Joe McLusky following his exit from Viacom International Studios (VIS) UK.

McLusky has joined the firm, which also produces Hollyoaks and Geordie Shore, as director of unscripted production, having previously served at Lime Pictures as head of production from 2013 to 2016.

The exec was most recently the VP and GM of non-scripted at VIS UK, until Paramount Global closed the unscripted arm earlier this year amid a slew of lay-offs. While there, he oversaw titles for channels including MTV and Channel 5, including Catfish UK and Cruising With Jane McDonald.

He rejoins Lime Pictures to replace Helen Kruger Bratt, who was appointed as head of production at Universal International Studios-owned Monkey last year, and recently promoted to managing director of the Made In Chelsea outfit.

McLusky will oversee all UK unscripted productions across Lime Pictures, as well as All3Media sister companies Lion Television and Wise Owl Films.