NZ soap takes a trip to UK again

Adam Rickitt joined Shortland Street in 2007. Photo / Supplied

Shortland Street returns to British TV tomorrow, thanks to the Coro factor.

The long-running TV2 soap has been picked up by Living TV and will screen episodes that aired from 2007, just after ex-Coronation Street star Adam Rickitt joined the soap as Kieran Mitchell.

Shortland Street producer Steven Zanoski said the launch episodes also tie in with the beginning of the serial killer storyline, featuring the mystery plot of the 'Ferndale Strangler'.

Zanoski said they are "excited" to have the programme back on UK telly after a seven-year absence.

The show formerly screened on ITV, but was canned in 2003.

Zanoski believes the decision to air episodes starting from three years ago will avoid going back too far in the storyline, when the production values were not as high and the fashion dated.

Zanoski said the inclusion of Rickitt was probably a factor in bringing Shortland Street back to the UK.

"I think he would have been a factor in them getting it," he said. "Whenever you put an international actor into any production, the idea is there that it will attract an international audience, but it is also down to the content of the show."


rebecca.lewis@hos.co.nz