Discovery brings TLC to UK

Discovery Networks International (DNI) is set to launch its female-skewing channel TLC in the UK and Ireland next month.

The network will debut on Tuesday April 30 with a mixture of hit US series and original UK content.

Among its initial line-up will be Here Comes Honey Boo Boo, the much-talked-about Authentic Entertainment series that was spun out of the original TLC series Toddlers and Tiaras.

The US version’s highest rating new series Breaking Amish and Oprah’s Next Chapter, from OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network, are also coming across the Atlantic for UK premieres on the fledgling network.

Other series set for UK debuts include Ultimate Shopper from Betty TV, starring Holly Valance, and observational documentary Undercover Mums. Maverick Television series My Naked Secret and Last Chance Salon will also be included on the schedule.

The launch has long been anticipated following an aggressive roll-out of TLC across 180 territories during 2012. The channel has been taking commissions from DNI’s London production hub since the operation, led by Julian Bellamy, was launched two years ago.

Susanna Dinnage, senior VP and general manager of Discovery Networks UK, said: “TLC is a unique entertainment channel that brings together a huge range of characters from the UK and US. It is unlike any other channel in the UK and will provide advertisers with an exciting new opportunity to target female audiences.”

TLC will be available on Sky channel 125, Virgin Media channel 167 and BT Vision channel 875. Programmes will be available across the companies’ VoD services.