The cultural credentials of BSkyB have been enhanced this week with the news that the company is to bring The South Bank Show back to TV in 2012.

Edited and presented as always by Melvyn Bragg, Sky Arts channel will feature six episodes of the iconic series, which was dropped by ITV in 2009 after three decades on air.

The relationship between Sky Arts and the South Bank Show began this year when the channel aired the South Bank Sky Arts Awards.  The awards, which are one of the world”s most coveted arts awards, will also return in 2012 (hosted by Bragg in The Dorchester on 1 May).



“I very much wanted to continue to make The South Bank Show and I”m delighted that Sky Arts has given me the chance to do that,” said Bragg. “I worked with them earlier in the year for the South Bank Sky Arts Awards and the winners” films, and it was a very enjoyable partnership.  I look forward to working with (Sky Arts director) James Hunt and his team again.”



“The arrival of the South Bank Show on Sky Arts is truly thrilling,” commented James Hunt. “The South Bank Show is synonymous with top quality, engaging and entertaining arts programming, and we”re delighted to be working with Melvyn to bring it back to screens, for both loyal former viewers and a brand new audience.”