Canada’s VisionTV has signed an extensive deal with BBC Worldwide Canada, part of the commercial arm of the BBC. The deal includes a significant amount of classic British television content that will air in 2011/12 including Fawlty Towers, one of the best-known, and most-loved, British comedy series starring John Cleese as irascible Torquay hotel owner Basil Fawlty, and Prunella Scales as his domineering wife Sybil—his “little nest of vipers”.

Highlights of the deal include:

Jam & Jerusalem, written by Jennifer Saunders (Absolutely Fabulous)
Thursdays at 6:30pm ET / 3:30pm PT starting October 6, 2011
Series 1-3
Two specials

Yes, Minister, with Nigel Hawthorne
Thursdays at 8:30pm ET / 5:30pm PT
Series 1-3
One Special

Yes, Prime Minister
Series 1-2

Fawlty Towers, Starring John Cleese
Series 1-2
Special, Basil the Rat

Vicar of Dibley, starring Dawn French (French & Saunders)
Series 1-3
Five Specials

The Old Guys, starring Clive Swift (Keeping Up Appearances)
Series 1-2

“We’re very pleased to have acquired these powerhouse series from BBC Worldwide and to bring them to audiences across Canada in the coming months. BBC is one of the world’s pre-eminent creative forces in scripted programming and an important content partner for us. VisionTV viewers have long embraced BBC comedies and dramas, and we’re certain they will be delighted by the addition of these award winning and classic series to our schedule,” said Mark Prasuhn, Chief Operating & Content Officer of Zoomer Media Ltd, Television Division.

Hilary Read, COO, BBC Worldwide Canada added, “I’m happy to partner once again with VisionTV and build upon our past successes. We’re looking forward to giving Canadian viewers another dose of celebrated, timeless programming from BBC Worldwide’s catalogue.”

The deal was brokered by Sandra Murphy, Director, Programme Sales, BBC Worldwide Canada and Beverley Shenken, Director, Program Acquisitions, ZoomerMedia. VisionTV is also the Canadian home of long-running BBC soap, EastEnders.