Louise Donald is appointed Commissioning Executive for Channel 4 Drama, Hollyoaks

Louise Donald is the new Commissioning Executive for Channel 4 Drama, Hollyoaks, it was announced today by Ollie Madden, Head of Channel 4 Drama and Director of Film4. 

Louise is a highly experienced script and story editor with over fifteen years of script development experience in the UK drama industry. Louise 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 (series one) and Good Karma Hospital (series 4). With a passion for nurturing new voices, Louise has worked with a number of emerging writers on schemes such as the BBC Writers Academy and Tiger Aspect’s mentorship programme. 

At Channel 4, Louise 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, Louise 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 said: “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.”

Louise 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.”

Louise will be based in Leeds and starts her new role in December.