Emmerdale to Air in Canada on VisionTV

LONDON/TORONTO: ITV Studios Global Entertainment has struck a deal for the long-running British soap Emmerdale to launch on Canadian cable network VisionTV on September 20, stripped Monday to Friday at 9:30 p.m.

The drama, which airs in the U.K. on ITV1, will launch starting at episode 5,583. VisionTV’s broadcast of the series will run approximately six months behind its U.K. transmission.

Emmerdale is now shown in more than 100 territories.

Tobi de Graaff, the director of global TV distribution at ITV Studios Global Entertainment, said: “Emmerdale’s quintessentially English countryside setting is home to a rich cast of characters whose everyday lives are challenged by drama, deception, jealousy, injustice and so many more themes which resonate with audiences across cultures. This truly British soap is an ideal fit for VisionTV and we’re delighted by the commitment they’ve made to schedule the show five days a week.”

Added Mark Prasuhn, the COO of ZoomerMedia’s television division, which owns and operates VisionTV: "Emmerdale is a perfect addition to our 2010 fall prime-time schedule, which showcases the best of British comedy and drama weeknights from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. VisionTV viewers are passionate about British programming, and Emmerdale‘s compelling characters and intriguing storylines will find a loyal Canadian following on our channel."