UKTV has acquired series one and two of Australian medical drama The Heart Guy from FremantleMedia International.
The drama, which aired first on Nine Network in Australia, stars Rodger Corser (Glitch, Doctor Blake Mysteries), Nicole da Silva (Wentworth Prison, Rush) and Ryan Johnson (Home and Away) and will premiere in the UK on Thursday 5 April, 9pm on Drama.
The series follows Doctor Hugh Knight (Corser), 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 work as a local doctor, he retreats to his hometown but finds that it is not the country escape he had in mind. And that is before he even starts seeing patients.
The series is produced by Easy Tiger, in which FremantleMedia own a majority stake, with support of Screen Australia and Screen NSW, and has recently been renewed for a third series.
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.”