Britain’s longest running television soap, Coronation Street, is to make its debut on iPod screens as programme makers announce it will be available to download.

The news means British iPod video users can join fellow American users who have been watching favourite programmes such as Desperate Housewives and The Office, available for around £1.50 an episode.

ITV executives say they see digital media as the way forward for their programme content, as they seek to expand their material for broadcast on phones, digital video players and other modern media consoles.

Chief Executive of ITC, Charles Allen, told the Manchester Evening News “it is well within our capability” to start distributing programmes on digital machines.

The news will extend Coronation Street’s entry in the annals of television history, which is already of considerable length.

Begun in the 1950s, the soap grew from the “kitchen sink” dramas popularised on stage and screen and was created by renowned writer, Tony Warren.

Now having celebrated its 35th anniversary, the popularity of “the Street” looks set to run into the digital iPod age.

© 2006 Adfero Ltd