'Corrie' Heads To Finland

ITV's long-running drama serial 'Coronation Street' is heading to Finland, following the renewal of a multi-year, combined genre output deal with YLE, Finland's public broadcaster, by leading content distributor ITV Worldwide, Peter Iacono, President and Managing Director of ITV Worldwide has announced.
Included in the agreement for the first time is the acquisition of more than 100 episodes of the UK's longest-running drama 'Coronation Street', which will debut in Finland later this year. Starting with dramatic episodes at the onset of Mike Baldwin's crisis with Alzheimer's disease and the awakening of Jamie Baldwin's love for his stepmother, the series will be stripped twice a day on YLE's TV1.
Commenting on the renewal of the output deal Tarmo Kivikallio, Head of International Programme Acquisitions at YLE, said: "ITV Worldwide's programming across all genres continues to be a "must have" for us in Finland. We're very excited about the prospect of airing 'Coronation Street' - one of the most renowned of all British television dramas. We believe its strong and contemporary storylines will strike a chord with our viewers."
Samantha McMillon, Senior Sales Executive, who brokered the deal added: "I am delighted to continue this important relationship by extending our deal with YLE. They have found over the years that our programming wins top ratings for their channels and we are sure the addition of 'Coronation Street' within the new output agreement will further strengthen their schedules."
YLE1 is the Finnish home to ITV's long running series 'Heartbeat' which is regularly a top 10 performing title for the broadcaster, with accompanying series 'The Royal' airing in the mornings. Other successes in recent months include award-winning detective franchises 'Agatha Christie's Marple' and 'Agatha Christie's Poirot' - both top 20 shows of the week.
(KMcA/JM)