A UK-based satellite channel showing Aussie soaps, drama and movies will launch towards the end of this year or early next, Digital Spy can report today.

Called Aussie Gold, the free-to-air station is aiming to feature the programming thusfar overlooked in the UK.

Head of programming Darren Gray , also a theatrical agent for Aussies in the UK, told DIgital Spy: "[We] will specialise in screening classic and more recent Aussie soaps and dramas. It's a bonza idea and I feel has great appeal for the huge numbers of Aussie soap fans living in the UK, as well as ex-pats from Down Under.

"Sadly the mainstream terrestrial channels are showing very little Australian product these days despite the audience demand for it and the fact that some wonderful material is available."