'Coronation Street', 'Emmerdale' available abroad with new ITV service

ITV has announced the launch of a new international subscription service which will allow ex-pats and holidaymakers to watch Coronation Street and Emmerdale while abroad.

The new project, titled ITV Essentials, is now available in 12 European territories for a monthly subscription cost of €5.49 (£4.64).

ITV Essentials will have a 30-day catch-up window, streaming all episodes of Coronation Street and Emmerdale without advertisements.

The broadcaster has teamed up with Saffron Digital for the project, which will initially be available via Wi-Fi only.

ITV's controller of pay and distribution Neale Dennett commented: "This is a landmark deal for ITV. We are thrilled that we can now deliver the UK's favourite soaps to the millions of British fans living and visiting abroad. In Saffron Digital we have found the perfect partner to bring these ambitions to life."

Saffron Digital's president Jason Keane added: "This is an elegant solution to finding ways to reach more soap fans across Europe. ITV have really raised the bar with this initiative and we are thrilled to be the launch partner on this unique service."

ITV Essentials is currently available to soap fans in Austria, Belgium, France, Greece, Gibraltar, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovenia, Slovakia and Spain.