Sky1 acquires 'House' from Five

Sky1 has acquired the rights to US medical drama House, it has announced.

The channel has secured the first-run UK TV rights to the fifth series of the drama - starring Hugh Laurie - after completing a deal with NBC Universal International TV Distribution.

The show, which previously aired on Five, will air on Sky1 and Sky1 HD from the summer.

"I'm delighted to be bringing House to Sky1," said the channel's managing director of entertainment, Sophie Turner Laing.

"The series has long entertained fans with its highly original take on a medical procedural drama and wry humour.

"Consistently excellent with a wonderful cast, House is the perfect addition to the channel that delivers the very best US drama to our customers."

Five attributed the loss to having difficulties finding a "suitable slot" for House after the "tremendous performance" of their recent acquisition The Mentalist.

"Five will not be renewing its deal for the next series of House," confirmed a channel spokeswoman. "We have been proud to be associated with the drama, but have taken this difficult decision for commercial and scheduling reasons."

House will continue its second run of repeats in the UK on Hallmark.