Hot Shots 2026: Jodie Leith

“Jodie Leith’s frame of reference for the cultural zeitgeist is truly remarkable - even more so when she brings that insight to the table when shaping new ideas,” declares STV Studios creative director Craig Hunter.

For evidence of this, look no further than BBC3/BBC Scotland co-pro The Beauty Queen and The Catfish.

Helping to identify the story’s potential and shape it into a viral true crime series, Jodie took on a complex, unfolding legal case and secured sensitive contributor access, built long-term relationships with victims sharing deeply personal experiences, and obtained unprecedented permission to film inside a Sheriff Court.

The series has reached more than two million viewers and is now being used in online safety discussions in schools.

While developing her passion for true crime, Jodie was equally at home in leading development on Channel 4’s The Antiques Riveria, including format creation, casting, branding, and talent identification and development.

Jodie has established herself as a natural storyteller, bringing the grounded perspective of her Glaswegian working-class roots to her developments, where she demonstrates a genuine curiosity about people and popular culture.

Other STV Studios shows Jodie has worked on since joining as a Pact trainee four years ago include The Derbyshire Auction House for Discovery+ and U&Really, BBC2’s Disease X, and BBC Scotland’s The Troops and The Firm.

“Even in development, it is rare to find people who can cross genres with such ease and enthusiasm,” says Hunter. “Jodie is a people person first and foremost. She’s empathetic, ego-free and emotionally mature beyond her years.”