Donald named Commissioning Executive for Hollyoaks
November 27, 2024
Louise Donald has been confirmed as the new Commissioning Executive for Channel 4 Drama, Hollyoaks,
Donald is an experienced script and story editor with over fifteen years of script development experience in the UK drama industry. She started her career in Independent Drama Commissioning at the BBC working her way up from Team Assistant to Development Co-ordinator to Script Reader before script editing at EastEnders. She has worked as a Story Producer and Script Editor for some of the UK’s biggest drama producers including BBC Studios Drama, Tiger Aspect Productions and Red Planet Pictures. Script editing credits include EastEnders, Holby City, Death in Paradise and Good Karma Hospital.
At Channel 4, Donald will have editorial oversight of Hollyoaks, liaising closely with relevant Channel 4 teams and the production company, ensuring that the show maintains its editorial standards and linear and streaming performance. Additionally, Donald will have responsibility overseeing a number of original dramas each year, as well as leading on Channel 4’s new talent schemes – including 4Screenwriting and the New Writers scheme.
Ollie Madden, Head of Channel 4 Drama and Director of Film4, commented: “We couldn’t be happier that Louise is joining the Channel 4 Drama team at a very exciting time for both Hollyoaks and our newly expanded, original drama slate. Her significant experience working on continuing dramas, as well an amazing track record identifying and nurturing new writing talent, will be a huge asset to us.”
Donald said: “I’m thrilled to be joining Channel 4 as the new Commissioning Executive under Ollie Madden. Hollyoaks has a history for delivering the most talked about stories with its fearless and bold storytelling. It feels like such an exciting time to be a part of the show as they celebrate their 30th anniversary next year. Channel 4 also has a legacy for creating ground-breaking, thought provoking and original drama and I can’t wait to get started.”
Donald will be based in Leeds and starts her new role in December.