UKTV, Britain’s biggest multichannel network today announced it has acquired series one and two of Doctor Doctor aka The Heart Guy for its leading non-PSB channel, Drama, following a deal with FremantleMedia International. The smash-hit Australian medical drama, which aired first on Nine Network in Australia, stars Rodger Corser (Glitch, Doctor Blake Mysteries), Nicole da Silva (Wentworth, Rush) and Ryan Johnson (Fairly Legal, Love Child) and will premiere in the UK on Thursday 5 April, 9pm on Drama.
The series follows Doctor Hugh Knight, a rising star in the Sydney heart surgery ranks, who is gifted, charmed, hedonistic and infallible, until his world comes crashing down. Banned from surgery and forced to only work as a local doctor, he retreats to his hometown but finds that it’s not the country escape he had in mind. And that’s before he even starts seeing patients.
Emma Sparks, UKTV’s head of acquisitions, said: “We are delighted to extend our relationship with Fremantle. The Heart Guy launched to an outstanding reception in Australia and we are excited to be bringing the charming characters of Whyhope to the UK.”
Jamie Lynn, Executive Vice President, Head of Sales and Distribution, EMEA, FremantleMedia International added “We are excited to be partnering with UKTV and its leading Drama channel on this international hit series. Not only is it a huge domestic success in its native Australia, but The Heart Guy has become a global hit for FremantleMedia International. I have no doubt it will find a big, dedicated audience and make a lasting impression on UK viewers."
This year Drama also premiered The White Princess, an epic historical drama set after the War of the Roses which has been watched by 1.06 million people since launch. The channel premiered The Brokenwood Mysteries, a crime drama set in New Zealand which is also breaking viewing figure records for the channel. The Brokenwood Mysteries has been watched by an audience of 823k since launch. This marks an already standout year for Drama.
Emma Ayech, general manager for Drama, commented: “This is a perfect addition to our growing slate of exciting new and exclusive shows on Drama such as The White Princess and Mercy Street. With gripping story lines set against the beautiful outback scenery, it is sure to be a hit with Drama fans.”
The Heart Guy premiered in Australia on Network Nine where it is titled Doctor Doctor. The series is produced by Easy Tiger Productions, in which FremantleMedia own a majority stake, with the support of Screen Australia and Screen NSW. The series is distributed internationally by FremantleMedia International (FMI).