Virgin picks up UKTV package

The UKTV/Virgin Media pact covers shows including the BBC’s Sherlock

Multi-channel operator UKTV has agreed a deal with Virgin Media that gives the cable company more than 10,000 hours of catch-up and box-set content.

UKTV says the landmark agreement will give Virgin Media customers access to more of its shows than any other pay TV platform in the UK or Ireland.

The package includes UKTV originals, US and UK acquisitions and BBC, ITV and Channel 4 programmes including Taskmaster, Nev Calling India, Quantico, Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders, Only Fools & Horses and Sherlock.

The deal also includes the launch of the updated UKTV Play app on Virgin Media’s TiVo platform, which will feature titles from UKTV’s free-to-air channels Dave, Drama, Yesterday and Really.

UKTV has also expanded the distribution of its entertainment channel W to include Virgin Media Ireland.