Despite an outcry from fans of Coronation Street when the TV soap was axed on Saturday nights, its replacement has proved a hit.
Saturday screenings of the long-running drama were dropped from September 1 - and replaced by Come Dine With Me, a series about British strangers competing for the title of best dinner party host.
TVNZ's decision means soap addicts must now get their Coro fix from hour-long screenings on Thursday and Friday at 7.30pm.
News of the switch prompted diehard supporters to take to internet fan forums in disgust.
However, it would appear the people have spoken. Latest viewing figures show that Come Dine With Me attracted 37 per cent more viewers in TV One's key demographic of 25-54 year olds on its debut than Coro St pulled the previous Saturday. Across the Thursday-Saturday that week, 180,000 more viewers tuned in, a TVNZ spokeswoman said.
"We were the most watched channel of the night among all New Zealanders aged 5 and over and Come Dine With Me was the most watched show in its time slot."
The Coro St axing means New Zealand will again fall further behind the UK. New Zealand was already running about 19 months behind their transmission dates. TVNZ said the ratings spoke for themselves.
- Russell Blackstock, Herald on Sunday
