Virgin Media O2 adds BritBox to set-top offering

UK streaming service BritBox UK is now available direct via the latest generation of set-top boxes of cable giant Virgin Media O2.

The partership means that Virgin TV subscribers will now be able to access the service, which offers content including Broadchurch, Downton Abbey, Vera, Only Fools and Horses and Love Island as well as exclusive originals such as second season of period drama Sanditon and Hugh Laurie’s adaptation of Agatha Christie’s Why Didn’t They Ask Evans?, which will be available to subscribers from mid-April.

The addition of the streaming service, currently a joint venture between ITV and the BBC, comes ahead of the commercial broadcaster’s acquisition of full control and its folding into new streaming offering ITVX later this year.

From the launch of ITVX BritBox will also be available to Virgin TV customers within the premium tier of the new ITVX app on Virgin Media O2’s TV platform.

Tom Price, BritBox UK’s commercial director said: “We are thrilled to bring BritBox to Virgin TV customers, building on the multi-year partnership ITV and Virgin Media O2 announced last year.  Launching Britbox on Virgin TV means that even more customers now have easy access to the best of British entertainment, including original dramas Magpie Murders and Murder in Provence, and just in time for Sanditon Series 2.

David Bouchier, chief TV and entertainment officer at Virgin Media O2 said: “BritBox is a fantastic addition to Virgin Media’s TV platform, offering our customers access to their favourite British programmes along with a host of top TV channels and apps – all in one place.”