Born in Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, he is best remembered for his long association with the soap opera Coronation Street, a series he produced for twelve years (1976–1988).
Initially a Royal Air Force pilot, he became a TV cameraman for the BBC, shortly after with Granada Television and later, a director.
When, as a relatively young man, he was called upon to direct an episode of Coronation Street, Violet Carson (Ena Sharples) with a massive twinkle in her eye, drew herself up to her full height and confronted him - "Hello Bill, welcome...my train leaves at 5.30 p.m.!"
Adamson had been suspended from the programme after previously selling stories about cast members and calling some of them talentless amateurs.
After allegations were made that he had indecently assaulted two young girls at a Haslingden swimming pool in April 1983, he was written out until he cleared his name.