Discovery’s TLC to launch in UK

Discovery Networks is to launch its female-oriented lifestyle channel TLC in the UK and Ireland at the end of April. The channel will be carried by BSkyB and cable operator Virgin Media, as well as BT Vision and TalkTalk’s YouView platform.

TLC will also be available in HD on the Sky and Virgin Media platforms and some programming will be made available on-demand on the Sky, Virgin Media and BT Vision platforms.

Discover said it had invested “millions” in the launch of the UK channel, which will feature a range of stars including Holly Valance in Ultimate Shopper (pictured), Dawn O’Porter in Undercover Mums, Lisa Snowdon in Your Style In His Hands and Oprah Winfrey in Oprah’s Next Chapter.  The channel will also launch US hit Here comes Honey Boo Boo in the UK.

Susanna Dinnage, senior vice-president and general manager, Discovery Networks UK, said: “TLC is a unique entertainment channel that brings together a huge range of characters from the UK and US.  It is full of stories that will get people talking and we hope it will become part of the rich and varied TV culture in the UK.  It is unlike any other channel in the UK and will provide advertisers with an exciting new opportunity to target female audiences.  The launch of TLC is another compelling reason for people to come to pay TV.”