Gavin Blyth
Gavin John Blyth (27 October 1969 – 26 November 2010)[2][3] was a British television producer and journalist. He was well known for being series producer of Emmerdale from January 2009 until his death. Beginning his career in 2002, he joined Emmerdale in 2003 as a writer. He later went on to be an assistant producer and also a story editor on Coronation Street.
Gavin Blyth | |
|---|---|
| Born | Gavin John Blyth 27 October 1969 |
| Died | 26 November 2010 (aged 41) Leeds, West Yorkshire, England |
| Nationality | British |
| Occupation(s) | Television producer, journalist |
| Years active | 2002–2010 |
| Television | Emmerdale Coronation Street |
| Spouse(s) | Charlotte (divorced) Suzy Blyth (until 2010) |
| Children | 3; including Tom Blyth |
Early life
Blyth was born on 27 October 1969 in Southport; he grew up in the village of Hesketh Bank, and was educated at Tarleton High School. He was the son of Merseyside journalist and broadcaster Roger Blyth. Gavin began his journalism career in 1985 with his father's company, Mercury Press Agency in Liverpool.
Emmerdale
On 17 January 2009, it was announced that Anita Turner had quit her role as Emmerdale's series producer after one year.[4] Blyth was later announced as producer on 22 January 2009.[5] His first credited episode was broadcast on 13 March 2009.[6]
He introduced a number of characters to the show, including Faye Lamb (Kim Thomson), Lizzie Lakely (Kitty McGeever), Ryan Lamb (James Sutton), Jai Sharma (Chris Bisson), Nikhil Sharma (Rik Makarem), Priya Sharma (Fiona Wade), Sally Spode (Siân Reeves), Jackson Walsh (Marc Silcock), Hazel Rhodes (Pauline Quirke), Alicia Gallagher (Natalie Anderson) and Cameron Murray (Dominic Power). Blyth also reintroduced past and popular characters to the programme including Charity Tate (Emma Atkins)[7] and Kelly Windsor (Adele Silva).[8] Emmerdale's Danny Miller, who portrays Aaron Livesy, held a football match for Blyth with co-stars and stars from Coronation Street. They raised £66,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support.
Personal life
Blyth was married to Suzy Dee Blyth, with whom he had a son.[9] He had two older children, Tom and a daughter, from his first marriage to Charlotte.[1]
Awards
In May 2011, Blyth was awarded the Special Achievement Award at the British Soap Awards. It was accepted by his partner Suzy.
Death
Blyth died from a form of lymphoma cancer at St James' Hospital in Leeds, weeks after it had been diagnosed.[1]
References
- Tony McConville (27 November 2010). "Ex-Liverpool journalist and Emmerdale boss Gavin Blyth has died". Clickliverpool.com. Archived from the original on 19 January 2013. Retrieved 29 November 2010.
- Hayward, Anthony (1 December 2010). "Gavin Blyth obituary". The Guardian. London.
- Daniel Kilkelly (27 November 2010). "'Emmerdale' producer Blyth dies, aged 41". Digital Spy. Retrieved 28 November 2010.
- "'Unpopular' Emmerdale chief quits". Daily Mirror. 17 January 2009. Retrieved 8 April 2021.
- Kris Green (22 January 2009). "Blyth named new 'Emmerdale' producer". Digital Spy. Retrieved 28 November 2010.
- Kris Green (7 March 2009). "Gavin Blyth's first 'Emmerdale' credit". Digital Spy. Retrieved 28 November 2010.
- Kris Green (18 March 2009). "Charity Tate returns to 'Emmerdale'". Digital Spy. Retrieved 28 November 2010.
- Adam Silverstein (5 November 2010). "Adele Silva returning to 'Emmerdale'". Digital Spy. Retrieved 28 November 2010.
- Delamotta, Deanna (27 October 2013). "Soap world gathers at charity ball to honour former Emmerdale producer Gavin Blyth". Manchester Evening News. Retrieved 3 August 2023.