'Oprah' returns to UK via ITV2

Oprah Winfrey's US talkshow will be back on UK screens early next year, Variety reported today.

ITV has inked a two season deal to air the show on ITV2 from late January, most likely in a 10.30am slot. Oprah has been absent from the UK since Living TV ditched it in 2003.

"ITV2 daytime is all about the best US and UK talkshows, and this fits perfectly with that," said Zai Bennet, the channel's editor.

Armando Nunez, president of CBS Paramount Intl, added: "With these talkshows, they're franchises. We've found the right partner for the show with ITV. In a market like the U.K., where now you have ITV with its four channels and with multichannel what it is, Britain is a very vibrant market."