Top Coronation Street producer Stuart Blackburn has been axed from the soap. The producer, who took over the ITV soap in 2013, confirmed the news in a statement today after nearly three years overseeing the dramatic storylines unfold on the cobbles. Blackburn has been at the helm of some of Corrie’s biggest plotlines, but critics have blamed the darker storylines of murders, deaths and tragedy as jeopardising the show’s humour, and one of the leading factors in the management change-up. Image: ITV Confirming his exit, Stuart released a statement earlier today saying: “I’ve loved every minute of producing Coronation Street. What a rollercoaster ride the last three years has been. We’ve met every challenge along the way and I can’t praise the cast, crew and writers highly enough for rising to the occasion with each storyline. "Whether it’s been the hilarity of Sally and Tim’s relationship, Carla’s descent into gambling addiction or highlighting Simon Barlow’s abuse of Leanne, each story has been incredibly well crafted, directed and performed to the highest of television production standards. I’m in awe of everyone I work with and can’t thank them enough for the last three years." Stuart will be replaced by current Emmerdale producer Kate Oates. Image: ITV Blackburn will stay on with the soap until January 2016, adding: “For the next few months my focus will remain entirely on all things Corrie, as we have massive stories coming up taking us in to the Spring and Summer of 2016. "I wish my friend Kate well in her role as she takes on one of the best jobs in television.”