BBCWW drama net enters Europe

The commercial arm of the BBC will launch its dedicated drama channel in Europe in May.

Critically acclaimed drama Wolf Hall

BBC First was one of three brands unveiled by BBC Worldwide (BBCWW) in October 2013 and will be launched in the Netherlands from May 16.

The fully localised channel will be available via terrestrial provider KPN, with further platforms to follow throughout the Benelux region. Programming will be subtitled in Dutch, with shows including Wolf Hall, season two of The Musketeers, Silent Witness and Last Tango in Halifax.

Other shows on the launch schedule include Burton & Taylor, season four of Call the Midwife, and Banished.

Paul Dempsey, president of global markets at BBCWW, said: “The Netherlands is an important territory for us and I am delighted that BBC First will make its European debut in this sophisticated market. Our channel roll-out here signifies the greater level of commitment BBC Worldwide is making to reach its global audiences.”

BBC First, which launched in Australia in 2014, will join BBCWW’s pan-regional channel BBC Entertainment Europe in the Netherlands. Last week, a BBC First programming block deal was agreed in Japan.