Lee Rayner, the seasoned Head of Production for Coronation Street, is making a significant career move after more than a decade on the show, as he’s set to join the team at Channel 4’s Hollyoaks.
Rayner has been with ITV’s Corrie since 2011, initially joining as an assistant director, then stepping up as production manager in 2013, and finally taking the helm as Head of Production in 2021.
His impressive resume includes work on other notable series such as Death in Paradise, Doctors, and The Bill. Broadcast reports that Rayner will be replacing Colette Chard at Hollyoaks, who is moving on to a children’s drama produced by Lime Pictures, the same company behind Hollyoaks.
In his statement, Rayner expressed his excitement: “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.”
READ MORE: Coronation Street ‘in no way on the brink of collapse’ despite huge cast exits – insider claims
A key production member from Coronation Street has announced their departure to join rival soap Hollyoaks
(Image: Publicity Picture)
He also mentioned his anticipation for working with Hannah Cheers again and the Hollyoaks production team, whom he praised for their filmmaking skills, reports the Mirror.
John Whittle, Managing Director of Lime Pictures, welcomed Rayner, highlighting the importance of the production model in continuing drama and expressing delight at having someone from a well-established show like Coronation Street join their ranks: “Continuing drama is a fantastic genre to work in and its production model is crucial to its success. 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.”
While Lee appears content with his new direction, Coronation Street actors are reportedly grappling with a wave of cast dismissals.
“There’s a WhatsApp group which has been pinging with messages about concerns of where the axe will fall next. It’s a tough time on the soap and it’s filtering down,” an insider revealed to The Sun last week, suggesting that the cast is anxious about job security.
The exit is just one of several due to unfold in the coming months
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The source further suggested that the show might terminate more contracts to afford the retention of the highest-earning stars. Alongside a reduced cast, the atmosphere on set is reportedly less enjoyable than before.
The insider elaborated: “Filming is tough. One person moaned they were ‘worked like dogs.'” Recently, insiders attributed a significant budget crisis to the cast dismissals. “Corrie is on its knees financially and bosses are being forced to make hard decisions” due to escalating TV production costs while the advertising market supporting them has virtually collapsed.
“The cast are not happy but ITV have no choice but to slash costs,” a source commented. Despite the concern however, another insider has assured fans that there are exciting developments ahead for the show and that it’s a case of “one door closes and another opens” for the programme.
Fan favourite Shelley King who plays Yasmeen Metcalfe has also announced her decision to leave the show
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“Fans can ignore any idea that within a decade the soap will be gone, because it’s in no way on the brink of collapse.”
A source revealed: “There’s some really exciting twists ahead for our favourite characters and couples, with a massive stunt that will no doubt bring the drama, as well as some hard-hitting storylines bringing some of soap’s biggest characters to the forefront. It really is a case of one door closes and another opens in that some familiar faces will be leaving, but others will be back – and the new faces could be just what the show needs. There’s so much ahead so the idea the end of Corrie is in sight is bonkers.”