UKTV, an independent joint venture between BBC Worldwide and Scripps Network Interactive Inc, announced a consolidated share of commercial viewership of 9.87% - a 7.7% increase on 2015.

According to the broadcaster, that puts UKTV ahead of Channel 5’s portfolio and all of Sky’s wholly-owned channels.

UKTV Play, the broadcaster's on-demand service is their fastest growing brand, with an increase of 74% in direct-to-consumer views year on year.

Since its launch in February, UKTV channel W has seen a 5% growth in adult viewing, year on year, as compared to Watch which formerly took the slot.

The broadcaster also revelled in the successes of its original content, reporting that W’s John Bishop in Conversation With James Cordon, pulled in 1.1m views, and Celebrity Haunted Hotel Live performed up 244% on the slot.

UKTV’s comedy channel Gold, saw success with The Rebel starring Simon Callow, and the second series of Marley’s Ghosts with John Hannah, drawing audiences of 459k and 424k respectively.

The broadcaster has revealed that, of its 10 top rated shows, six were UKTV Originals.