Coronation Street, the world's longest running primetime drama serial and the UK's most watched programme, will soon be airing in the Middle East and North Africa, following a deal between Granada International and Showtime, the region's premium digital satellite pay-TV network.
From 4th June 2005, viewers from Egypt to Dubai will experience all the love, passion, deception, greed, intrigue and comedy which takes place on the famous cobbles of 'the Street'. The show, which will be broadcast in English will air each evening at 19:00 KSA. Luke Beermann, Senior Vice President of Programming and Production said, “We are delighted to be able to bring Coronation Street to our viewers in the Middle East. We are confident audiences across the region will make it a part of their daily lives.”
Coronation Street on Showtime will start with the episode to be aired in the UK on 16th May 2005. This action packed episode features Ian McKellen, alongside the regular cast.
Coronation Street produced by Granada for ITV and winner of numerous domestic awards including, among others, Best British Soap at The British Soap Awards 2005 held earlier this month, is the story of everyday life in a small, tightly knit community in Northern England. For more than 40 years and 5000-plus episodes the series has gathered millions of devoted viewers in the UK and far flung parts of the world such as Australia, New Zealand and Canada.
Evi Nicopoulos, Vice President, Sales, who brokered the deal, commented "This exciting deal with Showtime will see episodes of Coronation Street airing hot on the heels of the UK transmissions. The show features themes everyone can relate to and a unique mix of drama, comedy and strong characters. We are sure it will prove as successful in the Middle East, as everywhere else it plays. "
