'Emmerdale's Tim Fee to retire

Emmerdale line producer Tim Fee is to retire from his position at the ITV soap when he turns 60 next month.

Fee, who joined the rural serial drama in 1988, spearheaded the development of Emmerdale's purpose-built village located in the Harewood estate in Leeds.

In addition, he has overseen the soap's growth from two episodes per week to five and ultimately the six which currently transmit, while also supervising some of its most iconic stunts such as house collapses, plane crashes and fires.

A spokesperson for the soap said: "I doubt you'll find anyone who has been more dedicated, committed and passionate about a programme than Tim, and we will all miss that."

Last year, Fee won the 'Special Achievement' gong at the British Soap Awards for his contribution to serial drama.

Last month, series producer Anita Turner stepped down from her post after only a year in the role, handing over the reins to ex-Coronation Street assistant producer Gavin Blyth.

At the same time, executive producer of 24 years Keith Richardson also announced his decision to stand down, allowing former Corrie exec Steve Frost to take the helm.

A search for Fee's successor is due to begin within the next couple of weeks