ITV advertising revenue shows it was the big winner from the Rugby World Cup

ITV reported advertising revenue up 8 per cent in the nine months to October

Soaps like Coronation Street helped ITV snap up more advertising revenue (ITV)

England might have crashed out of the Rugby World Cup weeks before New Zealand finally clinched the trophy.

But ITV, which owned exclusive rights to show the tournament, also won from the five weeks of games, according to the channel's lasted results. ITV reported advertising revenue up 8 per cent in the nine months to October, crediting the Rugby and soaps for the rise.

Online, pay and interactive revenues also went up 29 per cent taking ITV to an overall 13 per cent increase in revenue over the year so far, to £2 billion, up from £1.8 billion in 2014.

Adam Crozier, ITV plc Chief Executive, said: "As we expected, share of viewing has improved in the second half driven by strong performances in daytime, the soaps and the Rugby World Cup, and continuing this trend remains a key focus for the business."

He added that ITV would continue to strengthen its broadcast business with the acquisition of the Northern Irish channel UTV, for £100 million.