Following the end of its eight-year deal with Comparethemarket last November, ITV is searching for a new sponsor for Coronation Street.

The TV show is now looking to create a new on and off air sponsorship package to coincide with its 60th anniversary at the end of this year.

Simon Daglish, ITV’s Deputy Managing Director for Commercial, said:

“Comparethemarket.com and Corrie has been one of the UK’s longest-running and most successful partnerships and I would personally like to say a huge thank you to all at Compare the Market for taking a big idea and turning it into an iconic partnership.

“But, like all good things it has to come to an end… As we approach the 60th birthday of a British institution we are looking for an ambitious brand to connect with the cultural phenomena that is Coronation Street.”

Comparethemarket.com was only the third sponsor in the soap’s history. Prior to Comparethemarket.com, Harveys sponsored the ITV programme for five years.