{{short description|British television producer (born 1972)}} {{Use dmy dates|date=March 2021}} {{Infobox person | name = Steve November | birth_name = Steven Frost | birth_place = [[Nottinghamshire]], England | occupation = [[Television producer]] | television = ''[[Emmerdale]]''<br />''[[Coronation Street]]'' | yearsactive = 1996–2018 | education = [[Cambridge University]] | spouse = Hayley November }} '''Steve November''' (born '''Steven Frost''') is a British [[television producer]] and executive. Originally known as Steve Frost during his early career, he became a writer for the [[Sky One]] drama ''[[Dream Team (TV series)|Dream Team]]''. He also took roles as an assistant director until he became a scriptwriter on the [[ITV (TV channel)|ITV]] soap opera ''[[Emmerdale]]''. He progressed to become the series producer, a role he then took on at ''[[Coronation Street]]'' and ''[[The Royal]]''. Within ITV he was promoted to Head of Continuing Drama, where he made decisions regarding ITV soap operas and weekly drama series. During this time he also served as the Executive producer of ''Emmerdale''. In 2013, November took on the job of ITV's Director of Drama. In this role, November was responsible for commissioning numerous ITV dramas. In 2016, November left ITV after sixteen years. He then joined [[Lionsgate Studios|Lionsgate]] as their [[creative director]] in charge of UK television. He then created the production company Further South Productions.

==Career== November was born in [[Nottinghamshire]], England. He graduated from [[Cambridge University]].<ref name=frost>{{cite news |title=Corrie boss set to axe four |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/whats-on/film-and-tv/corrie-boss-set-to-axe-four-1020194 |access-date=30 July 2021 |work=[[Manchester Evening News]] |publisher=[[Reach plc]] |date=15 February 2007 |archive-date=30 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210730173602/https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/whats-on/film-and-tv/corrie-boss-set-to-axe-four-1020194 |url-status=live }}</ref> In his early career he was credited as Steve Frost.<ref name=november/> November's early roles included his work as a scriptwriter and storyline editor on [[Sky One]] drama ''[[Dream Team (TV series)|Dream Team]]''.<ref name=otherjobs>{{cite web |last1=Benzine |first1=Adam |title=Corrie producer moves to ITV commissioning |url=https://www.c21media.net/news/corrie-producer-moves-to-itv-commissioning/ |website=C21media |access-date=31 July 2021 |date=28 March 2008 |archive-date=31 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210731065843/https://www.c21media.net/news/corrie-producer-moves-to-itv-commissioning/ |url-status=live }}</ref> It was while working on ''Dream Team'' that he met his future wife, Hayley November.<ref name=november3>{{cite web |last1=Midgley |first1=Neil |title=ITV's big drama: Television speaks to drama boss Steve November |url=https://rts.org.uk/article/itv’s-big-drama-television-speaks-drama-boss-steve-november |website=[[Royal Television Society]] |access-date=31 July 2021 |date=9 July 2015 |archive-date=31 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210731082851/https://rts.org.uk/article/itv%E2%80%99s-big-drama-television-speaks-drama-boss-steve-november |url-status=live }}</ref> He also became an assistant director on the [[Channel 4]] soap opera's ''[[Brookside (TV series)|Brookside]]'' and ''[[Hollyoaks]]''.<ref name=otherjobs/> One of his first [[ITV (TV channel)|ITV]] job roles was a story editor on the soap opera ''[[Emmerdale]]'' in 2000.<ref name=frost/><ref name=otherjobs/> November worked as a series producer for ''Emmerdale'' from April 2001 until December 2004. While working on ''Emmerdale'', November was tasked with writing in the five winners of ITV's reality television series ''[[Soapstars]]''. He extended their contracts but they were all written out of the series in 2002.<ref>{{cite web |title=Soapstars to leave Emmerdale |url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/arid-30045809.html |website=[[Irish Examiner]] |access-date=31 July 2021 |date=9 April 2002 |archive-date=31 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210731071451/https://www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/arid-30045809.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Emmerdale's Soapstars to stay |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/1644357.stm |website=[[BBC News]] |access-date=31 July 2021 |date=8 November 2001 |archive-date=13 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120313180927/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/1644357.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> On 16 December 2004, November announced his decision to leave ''Emmerdale'' and that he would be succeeded by Kathleen Beedles in January 2005.<ref>{{cite web |title=Frost hands Emmerdale reins to Beedles |url=https://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/frost-hands-emmerdale-reins-to-beedles/1103323.article |website=[[Broadcast (magazine)|Broadcast]] |access-date=31 July 2021 |date=16 December 2004 |archive-date=31 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210731073417/https://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/frost-hands-emmerdale-reins-to-beedles/1103323.article |url-status=live }}</ref>

In September 2005, it was announced that November would replace Tony Wood as the producer of ''[[Coronation Street]]''.<ref>{{cite news |title=Cleaning up the 'Street' |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/cleaning-up-the-street-1.496846 |newspaper=[[The Irish Times]] |access-date=31 July 2021 |date=24 September 2005 |archive-date=31 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210731072848/https://www.irishtimes.com/news/cleaning-up-the-street-1.496846 |url-status=live }}</ref> He was credited as producer from February 2006 and one of his first decisions was to write out four characters.<ref>{{cite web |title=Corrie four to be axed |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/corrie-four-to-be-axed-1020184 |website=[[Manchester Evening News]] |access-date=31 July 2021 |date=10 February 2006 |archive-date=31 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210731072001/https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/corrie-four-to-be-axed-1020184 |url-status=live }}</ref> While working on ''Coronation Street'', November became the series producer of ITV's drama series ''[[The Royal]]''.<ref>{{cite web |title=A right Royal shock on way |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/whats-on/film-and-tv/a-right-royal-shock-on-way-1023329 |website=[[Manchester Evening News]] |access-date=31 July 2021 |date=15 February 2007 |archive-date=31 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210731063758/https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/whats-on/film-and-tv/a-right-royal-shock-on-way-1023329 |url-status=live }}</ref> In November 2007, it was announced that November had decided to leave his role at ''Coronation Street''.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Dowell |first1=Ben |title=Soap shakeup at ITV |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2007/nov/14/itv.television |website=[[The Guardian]] |access-date=31 July 2021 |date=14 November 2007 |archive-date=31 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210731064109/https://www.theguardian.com/media/2007/nov/14/itv.television |url-status=live }}</ref> He remained with the show until 2008 until Kim Crowther took over his role.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Reynolds |first1=Simon |title=Corrie boss wanted to 'flood the street' |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/coronation-street/a94863/corrie-boss-wanted-to-flood-the-street/ |website=[[Digital Spy]] |access-date=31 July 2021 |date=29 April 2008 |archive-date=31 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210731072243/https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/coronation-street/a94863/corrie-boss-wanted-to-flood-the-street/ |url-status=live }}</ref> During his tenure he notably axed [[Bruce Jones (actor)|Bruce Jones']] character, [[Les Battersby]] and oversaw the departure of long-standing character [[Vera Duckworth]] played by [[Liz Dawn]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Roberts |first1=Brian |title=Les gutted over £120K Corrie axe |url=https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/uk-world-news/les-gutted-over-120k-corrie-952001 |website=[[Daily Record (Scotland)|Daily Record]] |access-date=31 July 2021 |date=30 May 2007 |archive-date=31 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210731065147/https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/uk-world-news/les-gutted-over-120k-corrie-952001 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Byrne |first1=Paul |title=The end of Vera Duckworth |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/the-end-of-vera-duckworth-517157 |website=[[Daily Mirror]] |access-date=31 July 2021 |date=30 October 2007 |archive-date=31 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210731065138/https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/the-end-of-vera-duckworth-517157 |url-status=live }}</ref>

In March 2008, it was announced that November had been appointed Head of Continuing Drama at ITV, replacing Corinne Hollingworth.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Holmwood |first1=Leigh |title=Coronation Street producer Steve Frost promoted to continuing dramas role |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2008/mar/27/itv.television1 |website=[[The Guardian]] |access-date=31 July 2021 |date=27 March 2008 |archive-date=31 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210731062912/https://www.theguardian.com/media/2008/mar/27/itv.television1 |url-status=live }}</ref> In this role, November was tasked in controlling content and decisions over ITV's soap operas and its weekly dramas such as ''[[The Bill]]'' and ''[[Midsomer Murders]]''.<ref name=november3/> In January 2009, it was announced that November had replaced [[Keith Richardson (television executive)|Keith Richardson]] as the executive producer of ''Emmerdale''.<ref>{{Cite news| url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2009/jan/15/emmerdale-keith-richardson-leaves| title=ITV exec Keith Richardson leaves Emmerdale after 24 years| newspaper=[[The Guardian]]| date=15 January 2009| last1=Holmwood| first1=Leigh| access-date=16 December 2016| archive-date=5 March 2016| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305222444/http://www.theguardian.com/media/2009/jan/15/emmerdale-keith-richardson-leaves| url-status=live}}</ref> After his tenure on ''Emmerdale'' had ended, he was credited with having transformed the "Yorkshire soap into a serious rival to ''[[EastEnders]]''".<ref name=frost/> Under his control the show won "Best Soap" at the 2011 [[Broadcast Awards]] and "Programme Of The Year" at the annual TV Times Awards.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Kilkelly |first1=Daniel |title=Steve November (Executive Producer, 'Emmerdale') |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/emmerdale/a309411/steve-november-executive-producer-emmerdale/ |website=[[Digital Spy]] |access-date=31 July 2021 |date=17 March 2011 |archive-date=31 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210731061950/https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/emmerdale/a309411/steve-november-executive-producer-emmerdale/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2009, he changed his surname from Frost to November to match his wife and children's surnames.<ref name=november/>

In April 2013, it was announced that November had replaced Laura Mackie as ITV's director of drama.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Deans |first1=Jason |title=ITV confirms Steve November as director of drama |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2013/apr/23/itv-steve-november-drama |website=[[The Guardian]] |access-date=31 July 2021 |date=23 April 2013 |archive-date=31 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210731055721/https://www.theguardian.com/media/2013/apr/23/itv-steve-november-drama |url-status=live }}</ref> While in the role, he aligned with [[STV (TV channel)|STV]] to create the drama ''The Poison Tree''.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Jeffery |first1=Morgan |title=MyAnna Buring for ITV's 'Poison Tree' |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/a397204/myanna-buring-matthew-goode-to-star-in-itvs-the-poison-tree/ |website=[[Digital Spy]] |access-date=31 July 2021 |date=3 August 2012 |archive-date=31 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210731081317/https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/a397204/myanna-buring-matthew-goode-to-star-in-itvs-the-poison-tree/ |url-status=live }}</ref> November also commissioned the series ''[[Beowulf: Return to the Shieldlands]]'' and served as its co-executive producer.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Whittock |first1=Jess |title=Beowulf story set for ITV |url=https://tbivision.com/2014/12/15/beowulf-story-set-for-itv/370531/ |website=TBI |access-date=31 July 2021 |date=15 December 2014 |archive-date=31 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210731080952/https://tbivision.com/2014/12/15/beowulf-story-set-for-itv/370531/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Steve November |url=https://www.londonscreenwritersfestival.com/speakers/steve-november-2 |website=[[London Screenwriters' Festival]] |access-date=31 July 2021 |archive-date=31 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210731084558/https://www.londonscreenwritersfestival.com/speakers/steve-november-2 |url-status=live }}</ref> He was also responsible for commissioning the shows ''[[Marcella (TV series)|Marcella]]'', ''[[Prime Suspect 1973]]'' and ''[[The Durrells]]''.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Dickens |first1=Andrew |title=Bridge creator in UK drama first |url=https://www.c21media.net/news/bridge-creator-in-uk-drama-first/ |website=C21media |access-date=31 July 2021 |date=18 June 2015 |archive-date=31 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210731081921/https://www.c21media.net/news/bridge-creator-in-uk-drama-first/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In April 2016, November left ITV after sixteen years. His departure was one of numerous departures that occurred after Kevin Lygo was appointed as ITV's director of television.<ref name=november>{{cite web |last1=Revoir |first1=Paul |title=Steve November exits ITV after 16 years |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2016/apr/01/steve-november-itv-kevin-lygo |website=[[The Guardian]] |access-date=31 July 2021 |date=1 April 2016 |archive-date=31 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210731055402/https://www.theguardian.com/media/2016/apr/01/steve-november-itv-kevin-lygo |url-status=live }}</ref> Later in 2016, November joined [[Lionsgate Studios|Lionsgate]] where he assumed the role of [[creative director]] of UK television.<ref name="Lionsgate">{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2016/tv/global/lionsgate-itv-steve-november-u-k-tv-creative-chief-1201909674/|last=Barraclough|first=Leo|work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|accessdate=26 January 2018|title=Lionsgate Names ITV's Steve November as U.K. TV Creative Chief|date=4 November 2016|archive-date=27 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180127083804/http://variety.com/2016/tv/global/lionsgate-itv-steve-november-u-k-tv-creative-chief-1201909674/|url-status=live}}</ref> November is also the managing director of the [[London]] and [[Brighton]] based production company, Further South Productions.<ref>{{cite web |title=Team — Further South Productions |url=https://www.furthersouthproductions.com/team |website=Further South Productions |access-date=31 July 2021 |archive-date=31 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210731083754/https://www.furthersouthproductions.com/team |url-status=live }}</ref> In June 2018, November announced that he was working with screenwriter [[Alan Whiting]] to produce a new series titled ''Oil''.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Clarke |first1=Stewart |title=Lionsgate, Nevision Pact for Drama About Middle East Oil (EXCLUSIVE) |url=https://variety.com/2018/tv/news/lionsgate-nevision-drama-oil-1202852605/ |website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |access-date=31 July 2021 |date=21 June 2018 |archive-date=31 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210731091630/https://variety.com/2018/tv/news/lionsgate-nevision-drama-oil-1202852605/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

== References == {{Reflist}}

== External links == * {{IMDb name|1068239}}

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{{DEFAULTSORT:November, Steve}} [[Category:Living people]] [[Category:British television producers]] [[Category:People from Nottinghamshire]] [[Category:Year of birth missing (living people)]]