UKTV reveals new channel identities

UKTV has unveiled the identities and logos for its new entertainment channel and relaunched versions of UKTV Gold and UKTV Drama.

The entertainment channel, which will take the capacity and EPG slot presently occupied by UKTV Gold +1, will be called Watch. "Operating as a linear catch-up service for modern classics including Torchwood, Mistresses and Larkrise To Candleford, the bold entertainment channel will sit next to Gold in the pay section of the EPG," said UKTV. "The crown in its enviable schedule will be Watch’s brand new commission, the Richard and Judy primetime show, which will air on weekdays."

UKTV Gold will be referred to as just Gold and, with the slogan "Go On Laugh Daily", become "the dedicated comedy channel with a clear mission: to make people laugh". A statement said: "Offering uplifting and infectious comedy from Only Fools And Horses, Fawlty Towers to The Vicar Of Dibley, Gold unashamedly celebrates all Britain’s fantastic comedy and guarantees its viewers a well earned giggle. Launching as part of its new look will be two brand new commissions – Blackadder Exclusive: The Whole Rotten Saga and Blackadder’s Most Cunning Moments."

UKTV Drama will be renamed Alibi, billed as "The World’s Number One Detective Agency". "Dedicated exclusively to the best crime shows, Alibi promises to bring together the greatest investigative minds from Sherlock Holmes to DCI Taggart to Waking The Dead’s CID team," said the broadcaster.

All the changes will be introduced on October 7 and all the channels will remain pay TV-only.

Director of entertainment Christian Drobnyk said: "With its innovative marketing and strong schedule, Dave became, almost overnight, a top ten channel in multi channel homes; a success that cannot be attributed solely to Freeview as Dave grew by 56% in Pay TV.

"This success can be replicated across the network with Watch, Gold and Alibi and enables us to exploit the potential of our real estate."