Virgin Media O2 and UKTV have renewed their long-standing partnership in the UK with a multi-year deal securing carriage for UKTV’s highly popular pay channels, U&GOLD and U&alibi, streaming service U, and UKTV’s free-to-air channels. As part of the deal, streaming service U will become available to almost all homes with Virgin TV later this year.
The new agreement ensures that Virgin Media TV customers can continue to enjoy UKTV’s premium pay channel brands, U&GOLD and U&alibi, giving them access to a range of popular programmes including dramas Murdoch Mysteries, Miss Scarlet, Hudson & Rex and The Red King, and comedy and entertainment such as Only Fools And Horses, Dad’s Army, The Vicar of Dibley, Absolutely Fabulous: Inside Out, upcoming series Neil and Martin’s Bon Voyage, and much more.
The deal will also see UKTV’s streaming service U launch on Virgin TV V6 boxes this summer, expanding the footprint of the U service to 95% of Virgin Media TV homes, and become the primary platform for Virgin TV customers to enjoy UKTV’s free-to-air on demand content. Currently, U is available to Virgin Media customers with a Stream or Virgin TV 360 box only.
UKTV’s free-to-air channels U&Dave, U&DRAMA, U&W, U&YESTERDAY and U&eden, will continue to be available for Virgin Media TV customers to enjoy for the duration of the deal.
This deal is the most recent development in the evolution of Virgin Media O2 and UKTV’s highly successful partnership which has also recently seen UKTV’s FAST channels, U&LAUGHS, U&Transport, U&Real Heroes and U&The Past, offering curated access to some of UKTV’s most loved shows, launch on Virgin Media platforms.
David Bouchier, Chief TV & Entertainment Officer, Virgin Media O2, commented: “Providing our customers with access to the latest and greatest TV content sits at the heart of Virgin TV. From the launch of new FAST channels to offering access to apps and streaming platforms, we’re committed to curating the very best entertainment lineup for our customers to enjoy. This deal demonstrates the evolution of our fantastic partnership with UKTV and brings brilliant updates for our customers.”
Sam Tewungwa, Managing Director, UKTV, said: “This deal marks the next chapter in UKTV’s valuable longstanding partnership with Virgin Media O2. We are delighted to be expanding our offer for customers, complementing the brilliant channels and programming for which we are renowned with access to our U streaming app and growing suite of FAST channels.”
In 2024, UKTV saw views to its free streaming service U grow by over a third (34%) resulting in the service doubling direct to consumer viewing in just two years. 2024 also saw U’s active users increase by 21% and content on the service bolstered from 7000 hours to over 9000 hours. Drama has been a key driver of growth for U with shows such as Whitstable Pearl, The Marlow Murder Club, The Chelsea Detective, Sister Boniface Mysteries and Darby & Joan responsible for the five highest rating episodes on the service.
Virgin Media O2 has also seen success following the introduction of FAST channels on its TV platform, with viewers now reaching half a million every month across its FAST portfolio, which includes access to some of UKTV’s most loved shows.
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For more information please contact:
Yvette Dore, Corporate Communications Manager, UKTV
About UKTV
UKTV has been at the forefront of branded television for over 30 years, entertaining the nation with programmes they love. Its leading brands – U&Dave, U&DRAMA, U&W, U&YESTERDAY, U&eden, U&GOLD and U&alibi - span comedy, entertainment, natural history, factual and drama, and are delivered to UK viewers through free streaming service U, Sky, Virgin Media, NOW, Freeview, Freesat and Freely; and to Irish viewers through Sky, Virgin Media, Eir, Vodafone and NOW. Channel & content availability varies by platform. UKTV’s content is also available to UK viewers via dedicated FAST channels on Samsung TV Plus, Amazon Freevee, Pluto TV and Virgin Media.
UKTV is a significant investor in British creativity and is committed to working with new and established writers, directors and programme-makers. The broadcaster is part of BBC Studios, the UK's most-awarded production company, a world-class distributor with international branded services, and a commercial subsidiary of the world's leading public service broadcaster, the BBC.
corporate.uktv.co.uk | press.uktv.co.uk | @uktvpress
About Virgin Media O2
Virgin Media O2 launched on 1 June 2021, combining the UK’s largest and most reliable mobile network with a fully gigabit broadband network.
The company has more than 45 million UK connections across its award-winning broadband, mobile, TV and home phone services. Its fixed network covers more than half of the country (18.3m premises serviceable) alongside a mobile network that covers 99% of the nation’s population. The company is on track to bring 5G to all populated areas by end 2030 and already offers 5G outdoor coverage to more 75% of the UK population.
Virgin Media O2 is upgrading its fixed network to full fibre to the premises with completion in 2028. Its shareholders and investment firm InfraVia Capital Partners, through a joint venture called nexfibre, are investing approximately £4.5bn to build fibre to 5 million homes and businesses not currently served by Virgin Media O2’s network by 2026, with the opportunity to expand to an additional 2 million homes. As a wholesale customer of this network, Virgin Media O2’s total footprint will reach around 80% of the UK once build and upgrade work is completed.
The company is committed to using the power of connectivity to make itsbetter for people and the planet, taking action to close the digital divide and building an inclusive, resilient, and low carbon economy. The business has set an ambitious commitment to achieve net zero carbon across its operations, products and supply chain by the end of 2040.
Virgin Media O2 is a 50:50 joint venture between Liberty Global and Telefónica SA, and one of the UK’s largest businesses. Virgin Media O2 is registered in England and Wales. Registration number: 12580944. Virgin Media O2 Limited,500 Brook Drive, Reading, RG2 6UU.