corrie new zealand battle

A fierce bidding war for the rights to Coronation Street has resulted in the "biggest ever deal" in New Zealand's TV history.

Public broadcaster TVNZ, who have held the rights to the soap for forty years, eventually secured the new three-year contract at a cost of around $8 million (£3.1 million).

The channel fended off competition from rival broadcasters Prime and TV3 to keep hold of the top-rated show but is now facing criticism for using taxpayers' money to fund the coup.