Corrie to team up with 'Best of British'

ITV soap Coronation Street is to team up with five 'Best of British' brands to mark its 50th anniversary.

According to Brand Republic, ITV Global Entertainment is looking to forge relationships with brands connected to tea, coffee, chocolate, soap and bread in the hope of drumming up a hive of marketing activity under the theme of 'bringing families together'.

Companies involved in the deals will be granted access to exclusive material from the show, as well as access to the soap's cast for various promotional opportunities. It is also expected that the 50th anniversary logo will be placed on the brands' product packaging.

It is expected that ITV will ink deals with the five brands by January.

Corrie reaches its milestone in 2010 and potential marketing opportunities are already being explored by the commercial broadcaster, including themed restaurants, tea sets and Underworld lingerie.