The BBC have cemented their hold over hit US series Heroes with a deal guaranteeing them first refusal on all future seasons of the show.
The corporation already has exclusive UK rights to the second series.
According to the Guardian BBC2 controller Roly Keating has struck the deal with producers NBC Universal “guaranteeing that the BBC has first option on series three and beyond.”
The deal will prevent the series following other US hits such as 24 and Lost which have been poached by Sky after first airing on terrestrial channels.
The first series of the show is currently airing on BBC Two with the second series about to start in America on NBC