Further UK TV deals expected as Netflix gets set to launch in first European territory.

Postal and digital VOD platform Netflix has signed a UK streaming deal with BBC Worldwide for previous series including Doctor Who, Top Gear, Spooks, Torchwood and Little Britain.

Netflix announced in October that it would launch its service in the UK in early 2012 and has been busily locking up high-volume deals since, including with distributors Lionsgate, MGM and Miramax.

Further deals between Netflix and UK terrestrial broadcasters are expected.

“BBC shows are a big favourite of our over 20 million streaming members in the U.S., Canada and Latin America” said Ted Sarandos, Netflix chief content officer. “Members love watching back-to-back episodes of BBC series where and when they want, at the click of a button. We are incredibly proud to make these high quality programmes available to Netflix members in the UK and Ireland.”

BBC Worldwide has similar licensing agreements with services provided by Virgin Media, BT Vision and Tesco-owned BlinkBox.