5 Secrets Behind Emma Reeves’ Success: From Olivier-Winning Playwright To Lead Writer On The New CBBC Series ‘Gifted’

Emma Reeves has firmly cemented her status as one of the UK’s most influential and decorated screenwriters, a reputation that continues to grow with her most recent, high-profile projects. As of December 2025, her career is soaring, marked by her leadership role on the highly anticipated CBBC drama series *Gifted* and her significant appointment as the Chair of the Writers' Guild of Great Britain (WGGB). She is a true titan of children’s and family television, known for her unique ability to adapt beloved literary works for the screen and stage, earning her numerous accolades including an Olivier Award. Her work is defined by a deep empathy for young characters, particularly those in the care system, a theme she has explored through her acclaimed adaptations of Jacqueline Wilson's novels. Her current projects, which include the 2025 international co-production *Gifted*, demonstrate a continued commitment to high-quality, impactful drama for a new generation of viewers, solidifying her place as a creative force in the industry.

Emma Reeves: A Comprehensive Biography and Professional Profile

Emma Jane Reeves is a Welsh screenwriter, playwright, and television producer celebrated for her extensive and award-winning work across screen, stage, and audio. She is particularly renowned for her adaptations of classic and contemporary children's literature, transforming beloved books into critically acclaimed dramas and theatre productions.

• Full Name: Emma Jane Reeves
• Nationality: Welsh (British)
• Hometown/Upbringing: Wrexham, Wales
• Primary Roles: Screenwriter, Playwright, Producer, Lead Writer, Creative Consultant
• Current Leadership Role: Chair of the Writers' Guild of Great Britain (WGGB) (Appointed November 2023)
• Key Television Credits: *The Beaker Girls*, *My Mum Tracy Beaker* (Lead Writer), *The Demon Headmaster* (2019 Revival, Lead Writer), *Hetty Feather*, *Eve*, *The Story of Tracy Beaker*
• Key Stage Adaptations: *The Worst Witch* (Olivier Award-winning), *Hetty Feather* (Olivier-nominated), *Little Women*, *The Snow Child*, *Ugly Duckling*
• Major Awards Won: Olivier Award (2020), Writers' Guild of Great Britain (WGGB) Awards, Royal Television Society (RTS) Awards, CAMEO Award.
• Major Nominations: Olivier Award Nomination, Children's Baftas Nomination, Broadcast Award Nomination.
• Recent Projects (2025): Lead Writer and Executive Producer for the TV series *Gifted*.

The Magic Touch: Emma Reeves' Award-Winning Adaptations

Reeves' career is a masterclass in adaptation, demonstrating a rare ability to capture the spirit of a source text while making it relevant and exciting for a modern audience. Her most celebrated works are often those that bring iconic children's characters back to life with a fresh perspective.

The Olivier Award-Winning Success of The Worst Witch

One of the most significant milestones in Reeves' career is her stage adaptation of Jill Murphy's classic series, *The Worst Witch*. The play, which focuses on the clumsy Mildred Hubble during her final year at Miss Cackle's Academy, received widespread critical acclaim. The production won the prestigious Olivier Award in 2020 for Best Family Show, a testament to Reeves' skill in translating the enchanting world of the books into a dynamic, live theatrical experience. Her adaptation process involved a deep dive into the original novels, ensuring the stage version retained the charm, humour, and underlying themes of friendship and self-acceptance that made the books so enduring.

Bringing Jacqueline Wilson’s World to Screen and Stage

Reeves is perhaps most closely associated with the works of bestselling author Jacqueline Wilson. Her involvement began with the television series *The Story of Tracy Beaker*, but her influence expanded dramatically with the sequel series. The 2021 miniseries *My Mum Tracy Beaker* became a cultural phenomenon, achieving record-breaking viewership for the BBC. This success was followed by the ongoing series *The Beaker Girls*, both of which Reeves served as the lead writer on. Her work on these shows is often praised for its sensitive and realistic portrayal of looked-after children and the complexities of the foster care system, a topic she has long championed. Beyond the screen, Reeves also adapted Wilson's novel *Hetty Feather* for the stage. This production toured nationally and had a successful West End run between 2014 and 2016. The stage play was not only a commercial hit but also received an Olivier Award nomination and won a CAMEO Award, further cementing her reputation as a leading theatrical adapter.

From Tracy Beaker to Gifted: Her Latest and Most Anticipated Projects

The period of late 2024 and 2025 has marked a new phase of leadership and high-profile production for Emma Reeves, demonstrating her continued influence in the industry.

Leading the New CBBC Action-Adventure Series ‘Gifted’ (2025)

The most current and exciting project on Reeves’ slate is the new television series *Gifted*. This 10 x 30-minute drama is an action-adventure mystery series aimed at children aged 8 to 12. Reeves serves as both the Lead Writer and Executive Producer for the series, which is an adaptation of Marilyn Kaye’s popular novels. The show is a major international co-production between Black Camel Pictures (UK) and Media Valley/Studio 100 International (France/Belgium), with a large portion of the production focusing on a diverse group of Scottish teens. The series, which is set to arrive in 2025, is being highly anticipated as the next big hit in the children's drama space, following the success of her previous works.

A Voice for Writers: Chair of the Writers' Guild of Great Britain

In November 2023, Reeves was announced as the new Chair of the Writers' Guild of Great Britain (WGGB), a major professional achievement that underscores her standing within the creative community. This leadership role allows her to advocate for writers across all media—screen, stage, and audio—and help shape the future of the industry. Her involvement in the 2024 World Conference of Screenwriters further highlights her commitment to discussing crucial issues like screen credit matters and global standards for writers.

Other Notable Credits and Topical Authority

Reeves' topical authority extends beyond her work with Wilson and Murphy. She was the lead writer on the 2019 revival of Gillian Cross’s classic novel, *The Demon Headmaster*, which was a critical and ratings success. Her versatility is also evident in her stage work, which includes adaptations of literary classics suchibilities as *Little Women* and the new play *The Snow Child*. Her creative process is often described as organic, focusing on the core emotional truth of the characters rather than a rigid formula, which is why her adaptations—from the magical world of *The Worst Witch* to the gritty reality of *Tracy Beaker*—resonate so deeply with audiences of all ages. Through her sustained success and her new leadership role, Emma Reeves continues to be a driving force, ensuring that high-quality, emotionally resonant storytelling remains at the heart of British television and theatre.