Gavin Blyth


Gavin John Blyth 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.

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. He 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 Emmerdales series producer after one year. Blyth was later announced as producer on 22 January 2009. Blyth's first credited episode was broadcast on 13 March 2009.
He introduced several characters to the show, including Faye Lamb, Lizzie Lakely, Ryan Lamb, Jai Sharma, Nikhil Sharma, Priya Sharma, Sally Spode, Jackson Walsh, Hazel Rhodes, Alicia Gallagher and Cameron Murray. Blyth also reintroduced past and popular characters to the programme including Charity Tate and Kelly Windsor.
Emmerdales Danny Miller 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 with whom he had a son Carter. He had two older children, Tom and Anya, from his first marriage to Charlotte.

Awards

In May 2011, Blyth was awarded the Special Achievement Award at the British Soap Awards. It was accepted by his partner Suzy.

Death

He died from a form of Lymphoma cancer at St James' Hospital in Leeds, weeks after it had been diagnosed.