Sci Fi looks to vampires, horror and Star Trek for 2006

The move follows the channel's announcement to launch a time-delayed service on Sky Digital on April 3.

A deal with Twentieth Century Fox has secured all five seasons of 'Angel', starring David Boreanaz as a remorseful vampire turned vampire killer.

The series will air in the spring alongside BBC drama serial 'Strange', which centres on demon-hunting duo Samantha Janus and Richard Coyle.

All three digitally re-mastered original series of 'Star Trek', plus the documentary special 'Trekkies', is among the line-up and there will be six movies from 'Star Trek II' to 'Star Trek VII'.

Prime-time offerings will include the space-operas 'Crusade', a 'Babylon 5' offshoot from Warner Bros, and 'Firefly', from 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' creator Joss Whedon.

A range of horror stories will be housed in Sci Fi's Movie at 10 slot, encompassing 'Hemoglobin', 'Demon House', 'Witchboard 3' and 'Friday the 13th' parts II – VIII.

Four Stephen King mini-series -- 'Salem's Lot', 'The Langoliers', 'Rose Red' and 'Storm of the Century' -- will add to the horror roster.

Jon Farrar, director of programming at Sci Fi UK, said: "Sci Fi's latest mix of acquisitions promises our viewers a steady stream of quality programming throughout the year.

"We have high hopes for the likes of 'Star Trek', 'Angel' and 'Firefly' -- shows that have a devoted and passionate following here in the UK."

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