Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ

Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Worldwide Channels has acquired the multi-BAFTA award winning chat show Friday Night With Jonathan Ross for its network of international channels, including Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ AMERICA.

A consistent ratings hit on Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ One, Ross' entertaining blend of comedy, celebrity chat and the latest music will air from June on Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ AMERICA, Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Canada, UKTV in New Zealand and the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Entertainment feeds across Latin America, Scandinavia and Africa.

Commenting on the new acquisition, David Weiland, Senior VP Programming, Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Worldwide Channels said, "We're thrilled to be able to take Jonathan Ross' unique brand of entertainment to our viewers around the world. Showing the best of British talent to the rest of the world is absolutely what our international channels are all about, and I’m sure that the show will prove as popular with international audiences as it has done in the UK."

In the US, Friday Night With Jonathan Ross premieres on Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ AMERICA on June 12th with episode 18 of the current UK series. Joining Ross for an exclusive interview will be Oscar-winning actor Dustin Hoffman, along with House star Hugh Laurie, footballer-turned-actor Eric Cantona, and US indie rock band Gossip.

The remaining territories will air the show under the name The Jonathan Ross Show beginning with Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Canada on June 19th. New Zealand's UK.TV channel will launch the show on July 17th, followed by Latin America's Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Entertainment feed on July 30th and finally the Scandinavia and Africa feeds of Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Entertainment which will both add the show to their schedules from July 31st.

The first archive episode shown in these markets will feature Tom Cruise, Lee Evans and Stephen Fry, as well as a performance from Franz Ferdinand. Other guests appearing in subsequent episodes include William Shatner, Glenn Close, Eddie Izzard, Lionel Richie, Hugh Jackman, Lady Gaga, Ben Stiller and Eminem.

Friday Night With Jonathan Ross has been a favourite on UK screens since launching on Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ One in 2001. The show has won numerous awards including four BAFTAs, a British Comedy Award, Broadcast Award and the Indie Award for Best Entertainment Programme and currently records 40 shows a year.

The deal, which covers exclusive rights in the US, Canada, Latin America, New Zealand, Scandinavia and South Africa, was struck with independent production company Hotsauce TV.

Dominic Schreiber/Harriet Otoo