Disney XD heads to UK, replaces Jetix

Disney XD, the Walt Disney Company’s tween-skewing boys channel, is to launch in the UK following its debut in the US and France and planned arrival in Japan.

The channel, described as “girls inclusive,” will target kids aged six to 14 with Disney-branded live-action movies, new and library animated programming and local acquisitions, and will transmit from August.

Launching simultaneously with Disney XD will be website DisneyXD.co.uk, featuring games and clips.

Disney XD will be the Mouse’s first channel to carry advertising and will be on offer to pay-TV subscribers alongside Disney Channel, Playhouse Disney and Disney Cinemagic.

The new channel will replace Jetix, whose remaining shares Disney acquired last year. The acquisition prompted restructuring, including the departures of Disney big-hitters Michael Cairns, Steve Aranguren and John Hardie, and Jetix CEO Paul Taylor. It is unclear whether any more restructuring will take place as part of the integration of Disney XD.

Boel Ferguson, general manager of Disney Channels UK and Ireland, said: “Disney XD will capitalise on all of the assets across the company to make it the leading boy-focused entertainment platform in the UK and around the world.”

Disney XD also launches in Japan in August, having aired in the US last December and in France in April.