Starz funds BBC sci fi series Torchwood

US cable network Starz is to air the new season of British sci-fi hit Torchwood after coming on board as a coproduction partner.

This move marks the latest British series to be funded by an international broadcaster, enabling the John Barrowman series to launch its fourth season. The deal is also one of the most high profile struck by BBC Worldwide Production executive VP Jane Tranter since her move to LA.

The 10 episodes will be written by Russell T Davies and will be produced by BBC Worldwide Productions and BBC Cyrmu Wales and will be filmed in locations in the UK and US.

US cable network Starz has enjoyed a boost since the hire of former HBO boss Chris Albrecht with the success of Spartacus: Blood and Sand. The network has also commissioned a new series based on Camelot, acquired the US rights to Tandem Communications’ The Pillars of the Earth and is developing two series –  William the Conqueror and Peacekeeper – with Ben Silverman’s Electus.