BBC secures lifetime rights to 'Heroes'

The BBC has picked up the lifetime rights to air Heroes in the UK.

The broadcaster has signed a deal with US studio NBC Universal to show all future seasons of the cult drama, staving off a potential rival bid from Sky.

"As long as Heroes is on in the US, we will show Heroes," BBC acquisitions head George McGhee told Digital Spy. "It's a long-term partnership, and I think that was the right thing to do. [NBC] are really pleased that we've got Heroes - and they don't want it going to a commercial broadcaster."

The BBC plans to air the upcoming third season on BBC Two and BBC Three from late September, just days after its US broadcast.