Huge soap coming to the UK after 33 years on air – and even Ed Sheeran has appeared on it

AN iconic soap dubbed New Zealand’s Neighbours is coming to the UK - and even Ed Sheeran has appeared on it. 

Shortland Street is a medical drama which has been on air for over 30 years, making it the longest running drama in New Zealand. 

The show has previously featured several celebrity guest stars, including Ed Sheeran who made a cameo appearance in 2014, while last year, US talk show host Conan O’Brien played a visiting American doctor. 

Ed Sheeran made his appearance on the show just before the launch of his album X.

During his brief cameo, he is seen popping into the IV bar in Ferndale where he meets Kane Jenkins (KJ Apa). He mock-scolds Kane for touching his guitar then encourages him to pursue his musical dreams before making a quick exit.

The soap is now set to air on STV Player every Monday from 17 February, meaning UK fans can join the already well-established fan community down under and discuss all the drama and developments in real time. 

Shortland Street has been revamped this year with a number of new characters, fresh storylines and even more heart-thumping drama – making now the perfect time for UK viewers who haven’t seen the show before to join the hype.

The series follows staff working at Shortland Street Hospital in the fictional Auckland suburb of Ferndale and follows all the drama they face on a daily basis – both in their professional and personal lives. 

Michael Galvin is one of the longest-serving soap actors on the show, having played the character of Dr. Chris Warner in Shortland Street since its first episode.

He said: “Kia ora, UK! I’m absolutely thrilled to hear that Shortland Street is coming to your shores.

“This little show of ours has become such a huge part of the culture here in New Zealand over the last 33 years, and to know that it’s now going to be part of the British soap landscape alongside legendary shows like Coronation Street and Emmerdale is a real honour.

“Strap yourselves in, because if there’s one thing I can tell you about Shorty, it’s that drama is never more than a heartbeat away…”

Shortland Street – or “Shorty” as it’s known by fans – has aired sporadically in the UK since it began, but no current episodes have aired in the country since 2010.

STV Player previously became the first streaming service to relaunch much-loved British soap, Brookside, from the very start, with five classic episodes landing on the platform every Wednesday.

Dozens of actors who appeared on Shortland Street have gone on to enjoy major international screen success, including Martin Henderson (Grey’s Anatomy, Virgin River), KJ Apa (Riverdale), Thomasin McKenzie (Jojo Rabbit, Last Night in Soho), Robyn Malcolm (After the Party, Outrageous Fortune), Karl Urban (Star Trek, The Boys) and Temuera Morrison (The Mandalorian).

Shortland Street launches on STV Player on Monday 17 February.