Corrie goes to Egypt

The trials and tribulations of Coronation Street's finest stars will soon be available to viewers in the Middle East.

12:26 19 May 2005

The trials and tribulations of Coronation Street's finest stars will soon be available to viewers in the Middle East.

From June this year, fans from Egypt to Dubai will be able to experience all the drama of Weatherfield following a deal between a leading regional network and Granada International.

"We are delighted to be able to bring Coronation Street to our viewers in the Middle East," said Granada's senior vice president of programming and production.

"We are confident audiences across the region will make it a part of their daily lives."

The show is the world's longest running TV drama and since its launch in December 1960 has been beamed into sitting rooms in Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Europe.

Whether Corrie's new Arab audience will pick up the nuances of northern England remains to be seen, but Showtime, the network buying the soap, is confident.

"The show features themes everyone can relate to and a unique mix of drama, comedy and strong characters," said Evi Nicopoulos, Showtime sales vice-president.

"We are sure it will prove as successful in the Middle East, as everywhere else it plays."