BBC Studios names head of drama productions following exit of Priscilla Parish

Kate Oates (Source: BBCS)

BBC Studios Productions has appointed Kate Oates as its head of drama productions, following the exit of Priscilla Parish.

Oates will manage BBC shows outside of London, as well as third-party series for global streamers and broadcasters.

She retains her current slate, which ranges from Father Brown and Sister Boniface to BBC One flagship soap EastEnders, River City and Casualty, in addition to shows in development such as Steven Knight’s as-yet-untitled University drama, which is being produced in partnership with Kudos.

Oates reports into Mark Linsey, president of BBCS’s scripted productions, and also takes on responsibility for Silent Witness and new drama developments, as well as the BBC Studios Casting department.

She will also develop a UK training strategy for Scripted TV Production within BBCS.

Her senior team includes creative director Deborah Sathe, who will manage the slate of new developments, and director of production Siân O’Callaghan.

Oates joined BBCS in 2018 as a senior executive producer and in 2019 took on the role of head of continuing drama.

Prior to that, she produced ITV’s Coronation Street between 2016-2018, and Emmerdale from 2013-2016.

Linsey said: “Kate has a proven track record as a creative leader of outstanding, award winning popular drama. She already demonstrates her passion and commitment to talent and storytelling across the UK and I know she is going to deliver more new drama in this wider role.”

Oates added: “Together with my incredible team, we are looking forward to creating new dramas to exist alongside our already iconic brands, as well as innovative training opportunities that we believe will benefit our industry as a whole.”
Kate and the senior team start with immediate effect.”

Oates’ appointment follows the departure of former Bodyguard producer Parish, who joined the organisation in 2019. Her next move is not yet known.