Disney XD to launch in the UK

Disney will soon launch children's channel Disney XD to replace its current Jetix offering in the UK pay-TV subscriber market.

The channel's programming will be targeted towards boys aged six to 14, including live action movies, animated shows and sports coverage developed in collaboration with the Disney-owned ESPN.

Alongside this, the firm will launch an online experience to offer games and other entertainment.

General manager for Disney Channels UK & Ireland Boel Ferguson described the new channel as the "perfect vehicle" to build on the company's success in the children's TV market.

"The exclusive new content will appeal to a broader target audience, while the Disney branding will create awareness and value," he explained.

"Disney XD will capitalise on all of the assets across the company to make it the leading boy-focused entertainment platform in the UK and around the world."

The channel was launched in the US back in February - where it achieved 15.7 million viewers in its opening weekend - and in France on April 1.

It will now add to the existing channels on the Disney UK bouquet: Playhouse Disney, Disney Cinemagic and the Disney Channel.