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. 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. Blyth was later announced as producer on 22 January 2009. His first credited episode was broadcast on 13 March 2009.
He introduced a number of 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.
Emmerdale 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. He had two older children, Tom and a daughter, 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

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