If you have a Virgin Media TV box nestled under your telly then you could be set for your nightly watching for years to come, as the TV provider has announced a new deal with BBC-owned broadcaster UKTV.
Virgin said this deal means UKTV’s U streaming service will be available to all Virgin Media customers with the firm’s V6 set-top box, joining those customers with the Stream or Virgin TV 360 box that already have access.
The deal ensures Virgin Media TV customers will not lose access to the extremely popular U&GOLD (formerly UKTV Gold) and U&alibi channels, which air classic comedy such as Only Fools And Horses, Dad’s Army and the The Vicar of Dibley as well as dramas that include Murdoch Mysteries, Miss Scarlet, Hudson & Rex and The Red King.
Both UKTV’s U&GOLD and U&alibi are pay channel brands, but Virgin Media customers get access to the channels as part of their TV packages. UKTV’s free-to-air channels U&Dave, U&DRAMA, U&W, U&YESTERDAY and U&eden remain accessible to all Virgin Media TV customers.
UKTV is owned by BBC Studios, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of the BBC. A recent rebranding has added the ‘U&’ branding to several UKTV channels, including Free Ad-Supported Streaming TV (FAST) channels U&LAUGHS, U&Transport, U&Real Heroes and U&The Past that Virgin TV customers can also access.
“Providing our customers with access to the latest and greatest TV content sits at the heart of Virgin TV,” said David Bouchier, Chief TV & Entertainment Officer, Virgin Media O2.
“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 the deal marks the “next chapter” in UKTV’s partnership with Virgin Media.
“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.”
Virgin Media said UKTV has seen its U streaming service grow by 34 percent in 2024, with the available free content for viewers now sitting at 9,000 hours.
