Sky to air new '24' episode on Sky Travel

Sky has decided to simulcast the first new episode of crime drama 24 on Sky Travel, opening up to the show to millions of potential viewers on the Freeview service.

Season four opens with a special two-hour "blockbuster" premiere episode, due to air in the UK at 9pm on January 30.

Naturally, there is a sting in the tale: viewers will have to turn to pay TV channel Sky One to watch the subsequent episodes.

"The exhibition on Sky Travel gives a wider audience an opportunity to enjoy two hours of amazing television," a Sky spokesman told Broadcast today.

"We think that many Sky Travel viewers without access to Sky One will value the opportunity to watch such a great example of the channel's premium US drama offering."

The episode premieres in the US this Sunday.