He later took control as the producer for Channel 4's Hollyoaks between 2006 and 2009, a period in which the show explored a number of well-loved and critically acclaimed storylines (such as that of the relationship between John Paul McQueen and Craig Dean and the Dog at the Pond explosion that killed five characters).

[8] Kirkwood's tenure oversaw numerous high-profile storylines, such as the death of Billie Jackson (Devon Anderson), and the introduction of such characters as Michael Moon (Steve John Shepherd), Yusef Khan (Ace Bhatti), Vanessa Gold (Zöe Lucker), Jodie Gold (Kylie Babbington), Julie Perkins (Cathy Murphy), Lola Pearce (Danielle Harold), Rose Cotton (Polly Perkins) and Andrew Cotton (Ricky Grover).

Other ideas, however, such as the decision to kill off long-standing soap veteran Pat Butcher (Pam St Clement) and Heather Trott (Cheryl Fergison), were not as well-received and prompted heavy criticism.

[10] Of his departure, Kirkwood said "Being the executive producer of EastEnders is one of the most exciting jobs in TV, but it's also the most exhausting - so after two years, I've decided it's time to leave Walford.

[13] In September 2020, it was announced that Kirkwood had made the decision to depart from Lime Pictures and Hollyoaks in March of that year, with his final episode airing in June 2021.