The British television community is mourning the loss of Julian Perkins, a revered production designer whose visionary artistry helped shape the visual identity of some of the UK’s most iconic television shows. Perkins passed away suddenly, leaving behind a storied legacy of innovation, excellence, and creativity that spanned decades.
Perkins was best known for his extensive work on beloved British soap operas, most notably Coronation Street and Hollyoaks. His influence on the look and feel of these long-running series was profound, setting a standard for production design that elevated television storytelling and captivated generations of viewers.
A veteran of the industry, Perkins joined Coronation Street in 1997, with his first credited episode airing on October 12, 1997. Over the next nine years, he designed an astonishing 1,882 episodes, including 32 episodes co-credited with fellow designer Christopher Walker. His final episode aired on June 11, 2006.
During his tenure, Perkins played a central role in a major transformation of Coronation Street’s outdoor set. He oversaw ambitious expansions including the creation of Rosamund Street and the addition of Victoria Street, reimagining the show’s iconic landscape while staying true to its deeply rooted aesthetic. His ability to blend tradition with evolution was a hallmark of his work — and a testament to his understanding of the medium and its audience.
Following his impactful contributions to Coronation Street, Perkins brought his talents to Hollyoaks, where he served as production designer on 357 episodes between 2009 and 2022. His design approach infused the show with a contemporary, vibrant visual style that resonated with its younger demographic, further demonstrating his range and adaptability.
Beyond the soap opera world, Perkins left his creative fingerprints on numerous television genres. He was the production designer for Coronation Street: After Hours (also known as The Brighton Bubble) in 1999, and worked on several notable children’s and young adult series, including Combat Kids, Ingenious, House of Anubis, Rocket’s Island, and The Evermoor Chronicles. Each of these projects benefited from Perkins’ remarkable ability to create immersive, character-driven environments that enhanced both mood and narrative.
Industry colleagues and collaborators remember Perkins as more than a brilliant designer — he was also a generous mentor, a dedicated team player, and a creative force who never stopped pushing the boundaries of what was possible in television design.