'The Sun' admits Corrie terror error

British tabloid The Sun has apologised for a "misunderstanding" over its published article about a terror threat on the live Coronation Street set that never materialised.

The December 9 edition of the tabloid claimed that it had been "tipped off" about a "terror strike" on the live 50th anniversary show.

It also said that Greater Manchester Police had thrown a "ring of steel" around the studios where it was being filmed, but police later denied there being such a threat.

Now the paper has released an apology over the "misunderstanding".

"Further to our article about increased security at Coronation Street's studios for their live 50th anniversary episode (December 9), we would like to make clear that while cast and crew were subject to full body searches, there was no specific threat from Al-Qaeda as we reported," the statement reads.

"We apologise for the misunderstanding and are happy to set the record straight."

Despite fears, the live broadcast peaked at 14.9m viewers.