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Wednesday 10 January 2018
UKTV acquires hit Aussie medical drama from FremantleMedia International
- The Heart Guy
- Thursday 5 April, 9pm
- New and exclusive to Drama
- Also available on UKTVPlay.co.uk
- "A winner!" The Daily Mail (Australia)
UKTV, Britain's biggest multichannel network today announced it has acquired series one and two of The Heart Guy (10x60) for its leading non-PSB channel, Drama, following a deal with FremantleMedia International. The smash-hit Australian medical drama, which aired first on Nine Network in Australia, stars Rodger Corser (Glitch, Doctor Blake Mysteries), Nicole da Silva (Wentworth Prison, Rush) and Ryan Johnson (Home and Away) and will premiere in the UK on Thursday 5 April, 9pm on Drama.
The series follows Doctor Hugh Knight (Corser), a rising star in the Sydney heart surgery ranks, who is gifted, charmed, hedonistic and infallible, until his world comes crashing down. Banned from surgery and forced to work as a local doctor, he retreats to his hometown but finds that it is not the country escape he had in mind. And that is before he even starts seeing patients.
The Heart Guy premiered in Australia on Nine Network where it is titled Doctor Doctor and has recently been renewed for a third series. The series is produced by Easy Tiger, in which FremantleMedia own a majority stake, with support of Screen Australia and Screen NSW. The series is distributed internationally by FremantleMedia International (FMI).
Emma Sparks, UKTV's head of acquisitions, said:
We are delighted to extend our relationship with Fremantle. The Heart Guy launched to an outstanding reception in Australia and we are excited to be bringing the charming characters of Whyhope to the UK.
Jamie Lynn, Executive Vice President, Head of Sales and Distribution, EMEA, FremantleMedia International, added:
We are excited to be partnering with UKTV and its leading Drama channel on this international hit series. Not only is it a huge domestic success in its native Australia, but The Heart Guy has become a global hit for FremantleMedia International. I have no doubt it will find a big dedicated audience and make a lasting impression on UK viewers.
In 2017, Drama also premiered The White Princess, an epic historical drama set after the War of the Roses which has been watched by 1.06 million people since launch. The channel premiered The Brokenwood Mysteries, a crime drama set in New Zealand which is also breaking viewing figure records for the channel. The Brokenwood Mysteries has been watched by an audience of 823k since launch. This marked an already standout year for Drama.
Emma Ayech, general manager for Drama, commented:
This is a perfect addition to our growing slate of exciting new and exclusive shows on Drama such as The White Princess and Mercy Street. With gripping story lines set against the beautiful outback scenery, it is sure to be a hit with Drama fans.
For more information and interviews with cast members please contact: Katie Sheldrake, Publicist, UKTV
Notes to Editors
About Drama
Freeview 20, Sky 158, Virgin 128, BT, TalkTalk 020 and on demand via UKTV Play
Drama is a channel that is passionate about bringing Britain the best in quality drama. From period through to contemporary and comedy, the channel is a treasure trove of classic and modern drama which showcases the greatest stories ever told. With programmes including favourites Call the Midwife, Pride and Prejudice, New Tricks and Silent Witness, and new offerings such as The White Princess, The Red Tent, The Brokenwood Mysteries and Mercy Street, viewers can indulge in a handpicked range of the nation's most celebrated TV dramas.
drama.uktv.co.uk | @dramachannel
About UKTV
UKTV is a commercial broadcaster reaching over 40m viewers every month.
The award-winning independent has eleven imaginative brands - UKTV Play, Dave, W, Gold, Alibi, Yesterday, Drama, Really, Home, Eden and Good Food. These include the two most popular non-PSB channels in the UK and account for nearly 10% of the British commercial TV market.
The network delivers inspired channels to audiences through Freeview, Sky, Virgin Media, BT, TalkTalk, YouView, Freesat, Amazon Fire and UKTV Play, and distributes its highly valued original programmes to 200 territories.
Now celebrating over 20 years at the forefront of digital television, UKTV - an independent commercial joint venture between BBC Worldwide and Scripps Networks Interactive, Inc. (SNI) - is proud to be the first British television broadcaster in The Sunday Times top 100 companies list.