Sony Pixel Power calrec Sony

Global superstar, Cher, stars in new advert from UKTV celebrating today's introduction of U, its free streaming service

22/07/2024

The witty story sees Cher travel through new and loved shows from U whilst performing a new rendition of the iconic hit song I Got You Babe, which was recorded especially for the launch of

U promises its viewers shows they really want to watch, whatever type of TV show you love, we've got U', with 8,500 hours of quality programming - fitting aptly with the ad's soundtrack, I've Got You Babe

The worldwide icon is seen singing karaoke in EastEnders' Queen Vic with Barry (Shaun Williamson), presenting a cake in the shape of a U' to the judges in MasterChef Australia, and hitching a lift in crime drama series Sons of Anarchy

New original comedy reality gameshow Battle in the Box hosted by Jimmy Carr, Whitstable Pearl series two, and the UK premiere of Orlando Bloom: To the Edge head up the launch of U

UKTV has unveiled its latest TV advert featuring worldwide icon Cher to mark todays launch of U and celebrate the wealth of free quality content on its platform to suit all tastes. In a creative twist, the global superstar travels through some of Britain's best-loved shows on U performing her own iconic song I Got You Babe.

The advert starts with UKTV execs pitching their creative to Cher, who, in a vision, says she can see it now , and immediately starts singing I Got You Babe. Along the way, Cher meets EastEnders' Barry (Shaun Williamson), and together they perform karaoke in the Queen Vic, as well as encountering Orlando Bloom, perched on the top of rock as he tests his physical and mental strength in the self-titled UK premiere Orlando Bloom: To the Edge. The superstar has a chance to test her own nerve as she'sseen sat in the back of the car driven by Chris Kamara and Jeff Stelling, cheating death in Sri Lanka in World's Most Dangerous Roads.

Viewers can catch a glimpse of Cher make a surprise appearance in Secrets of the London Underground, as well as many other well-loved shows including popular series Annika, which sees the Goddess of Pop perform to DI Annika Strandhed (Nicola Walker) who heads up the shows Marine Homicide Unit, as the unlikely duo don lifejackets as they sail the Scottish waters together.

The TV commercial was developed by UKTV's in-house creative agency in partnership with HunkyDory Films, and led by Scott Russell, UKTV's creative director. It was directed by Christian Bevilacqua, with Leanne Farleigh as senior producer, Mary Claire Seiler as head of production, and Eoin Mclaughlin was creative consultant. Penny Brough, CMO for UKTV, ordered the commercial as part of the launch of UKTV's new masterbrand.

"It had to be joyful, have content at its heart, and to tell the story of whatever you love, we've got U "Scott Russell said: We wanted to create an ambitious advert to launch U to highlight the variety of quality programming and to stand out in a hugely competitive landscape. It had to be joyful, have content at its heart, and to tell the story of whatever you love, we've got U. What's more, it needed to be memorable and have a surprise factor that was not only authentic but connected with current and new viewers. Who better to do this than mega superstar, Cher, performing a brand new version of her iconic song, I've Got You Babe, whilst meeting some new and familiar friends on the way?

The advert will be available on UKTV's beloved social and linear channels including U&Dave, U&DRAMA, U&YESTERDAY and U&W from today, and supported by UKTV's biggest ever media spend on ITV, Channel 4andSky, as well as YouTube, Facebook and TikTok.

UKTV has an ambitious growth strategy, focussed on supercharging its streaming service and growing its linear channels. A key driver of this is connecting and better leveraging the brands within UKTVs estate. The launch of this new masterbrand supports this strategy by making it easier for users to navigate both online and on-air. The simplicity of the new U brand architecture also retains the names and equity of the existing channel brands that are well-known and loved across the UK.

Consumers can find out how to stream U here.

For more information, please contact:

Ben Duncan, Consumer Publicity Manager, UKTV

Lauren Mutimer, Platform Publicist, UKTV

Charlotte Scott, Head of Consumer Communications, UKTV

Notes to Editors

#wegotu

TVC Credits

Creative Agency: UKTV Creative

Production Partner: HunkyDory Films

Creative Director: Scott Russell

Creative: Eoin Mclaughlin

Director: Christian Bevilacqua

Senior Producer: Leanne Farleigh

Talent Acquisition/Liaison: Leanne Farleigh

Head of Production: Mary Claire Seiler

Assistant Producer: Olivia Watters

Head of Design: Peter Allinson

Post Production: HunkyDoryFilms/ Al Sinclair

VFX: HunkyDory Films

Programming on U

U will become home to thousands of hours of free content from a raft of genres, including: drama (Annika, Holby City, Madam Secretary, Sister Boniface Mysteries, A Million Little Things), comedy (Meet the Richardsons, Red Dwarf, Live at the Apollo, Mock the Week, We Are Not Alone), entertainment (Big Zuus Big Eats, David Mitchells Outsiders, QI, Mel Giedroyc: Unforgivable, Worlds Most Dangerous Roads) and factual entertainment (Stacey Dooley Sleeps Over, MasterChef Australia, Katie Piper: Jailhouse Mums, Secrets of the London Underground, Bangers & Cash). U will also give viewers access to exclusive shows, award-winning originals, premiere acquisitions and iconic programmes from the BBC.

About UKTV

UKTV has been at the forefront of branded television for over 30 years, entertaining the nation with programmes they love. Its leading brands - U&Dave, U&DRAMA, U&W, U&YESTERDAY, Gold, Alibi and Eden - span comedy, entertainment, natural history, factual and drama, and are delivered to UK viewers through free streaming service U, Sky, Virgin Media, NOW, Freeview, Freesat and Freely
LINK: https://corporate.uktv.co.uk/newsroom/global-superstar-cher-stars-in-n...
See more stories from uktv

More from UKTV

21/10/2026

U confirms celebrity line-up for Stacey Dooley Sleeps Over seventh series

Stacey Dooley Sleeps Over returns for a seventh series in 2027, with Stacey Dooley MBE getting exclusive access to the homes and lives of Kerry Katona, Lauryn G...

21/10/2026

UKTV expands FAST portfolio with eight new channels

Expansion builds on broadcasters successful FAST launch and grows portfolio to 12 channels New channels dedicated to iconic brands including Top Gear, EastEnde...

20/10/2026

U&GOLD continues uncovering previously unseen footage for more Only Fools and Horses: The Lost Archive

As Only Fools and Horses marks its 45th anniversary year, and following tonights...

08/10/2026

UKTV acquires first two series of new Maigret for U and U&DRAMA in deal with Banijay Rights

14-hour package also includes A Remarkable Place to Die season 2 as well as libr...

07/10/2026

FIRST LOOK images released for upcoming drama, The Cadburys

The six-part series will launch on free-streaming service U in 2027. A set of first look images have been released for The Cadburys (6x60'), the upcoming s...

24/09/2026

UKTV COMMISSIONS EIGHTH SERIES OF CANAL BOAT DIARIES

London, 24th September 2026: UKTV has commissioned an eighth series of Canal Boat Diaries (8x60') for U (u.co.uk) and U&YESTERDAY, with waterways explorer R...

23/09/2026

Guy Martin's Proper Jobs returns for third series

A great watch - Radio Times TV's most likeable proper bloke - Daily Telegraph 23rd September 2026, London: Guy Martin returns to free streaming service...

17/09/2026

The Neighbours Effect: Gen Z Brings Back Big Hair, Double Denim and 80s soap style

The Neighbours Effect: Gen Z Brings Back Big Hair, Double Denim and 80s soap sty...

10/09/2026

Will & Ralf Should Know Better recommissioned for a third series for U

The beloved duo are back with big challenges and even bigger laughs as they discover if you're ever truly too old to try something new. Previous praise for...

26/08/2026

Jack Dee and a team of comedians ask Help Me Tiny Big Brain on U and U&Dave

Brand new comedy game show entertainment format Jack Dee will host free streaming service U (u.co.uk) and U&Dave's brand new comedy game show Jack Dees He...

19/08/2026

U&alibi re-commissions Bookish for Christmas Special and Series 3

There's an early Christmas gift for Bookish fans, as UKTV confirms the re-commission of the hit U&alibi drama, created by and starring Mark Gatiss. Viewers ...

13/08/2026

Surviving Fred and Rose West: Inside Cromwell Street for U and U&W

New U and U&W Documentary Features Kathleen Richards, One of the Last Surviving Witnesses to Fred and Rose West Kathleen is Reunited with Childhood Friend and ...

12/08/2026

New Bookshop opening in London that offers new identities, not books, with free cover stories for all

NEW BOOKSHOP OPENING IN LONDON THAT OFFERS NEW IDENTITIES, NOT BOOKS, WITH FREE ...

09/07/2026

The Search for Leah Croucher: A Parent's Nightmare for U and U&W

Years in the making, this intimate documentary draws on rare access to Leah Crouchers family to tell the story behind one of Britains most high-profile missing ...

07/07/2026

Toby Regbo, Harry Gilby and Jessica Barden lead cast for The Cadburys - the true story of the Cadbury family - with filming now underway in Birmingham

UKTV commission with BritBox and Sony Pictures Television and inspired by Deborah Cadbury's book, Chocolate Wars The six-part series is produced by Fable P...

01/07/2026

UKTV appoints Matt Berry as General Manager to lead brand and marketing strategy

UKTV has today announced the appointment of Matt Berry to the newly created role of General Manager - Marketing, effective 1 July. Matt will take on this senio...

26/06/2026

Prison Wives of TikTok is Locked In for U and U&W

Flicker Productions to produce five-part docu-reality series following women who have fallen for men in prison and have become TikTok sensations, with brands an...

24/06/2026

Dara Briain forms Dara's Dull Appreciation Society for U

24th June 2026, London: Dara Briain will host brand new comedy entertainment series Dara's Dull Appreciation Society (4x40') celebrating members of th...

23/06/2026

UKTV and BBC Entertainment join forces on first joint comedy entertainment co-commission

23rd June 2026, London: UKTV and BBC Entertainment have unveiled a joint co-comm...

09/06/2026

Brian Conley to front love letter to the world's longest running sitcom with The Last Drop of Summer Wine on U&GOLD

Filming to take place in Holmfirth 9th June 2026, London: U&GOLD is heading bac...

02/06/2026

The Marlow Murder Club returns for a fourth series on U

Praise for series three: The Times - sun-dappled pleasure The Daily Mail - The Homes Counties' Charlie's Angels The Sun - 4* this [is an] enjoya...

29/05/2026

Rosie Jones's Disability Comedy Extravaganza returns with another new lineup of eight comics

Youtube exclusive special drops today Watch now UKTV today announces another e...

19/05/2026

UKTV Highlights: Saturday 6th - 12th June

What can I watch on UKTV and stream on U this week? This week on UKTV and the free streaming service U, viewers can watch a range of new and returning programm...

15/05/2026

UKTV joins forces with BritBox and Sony Pictures Television for a co-commission of Chocolate Wars (w/t)

The six-part series is a co-commission with BritBox and Sony Pictures Television...

14/05/2026

UKTV Highlights: Saturday May 30th - May 5th June

What can I watch on UKTV and stream on U this week? This week on UKTV and the free streaming service U, viewers can watch a range of new and returning programm...

08/05/2026

For Dogs' Sake! Pete Wicks returns with more heart-warming rescue journeys

Pete reunites with Dogs Trust for a fourth series and a two-part overseas special London, Friday 8th May 2026: The award winning factual entertainment series P...

06/05/2026

UKTV Brings the Early Years of Neighbours to U in 420Episode Back Catalogue Deal

UKTV has secured the exclusive rights to the early back catalogue of iconic Australian drama series Neighbours, following a landmark content deal with Fremantle...

29/04/2026

U challenges stars and their dogs to compete for Wagging Rights

Rhod Gilbert, Harriet Kemsley, Kae Kurd, Sara Pascoe and Vicki Pattison to take part in brand new series on free streaming service U Stream for free on U HERE ...

22/04/2026

FIRST LOOK FOR NEW U DRAMA SERIES HIT POINT

Hit Point is now available to watch on U U have unveiled exclusive first-look images for their six-part police thriller Hit Point, starring Nick Blood (Day of ...

22/04/2026

UKTV Highlights: Saturday May 9th -15th 2026

What can I watch on UKTV and stream on U this week? This week on UKTV and the free streaming service U, viewers can watch a range of new and returning programm...

16/04/2026

Teaser released for hit U&alibi drama, Bookish ahead of return this Summer

Bookish is created, written by and starring Mark Gatiss, with series one available on Sky, Virgin Media and NOW Praise for series one: Daily Mail - 5**** The...

10/04/2026

UKTV Highlights: Saturday April 25th - Friday May 1st 2026

What can I watch on UKTV and stream on U this week? This week on UKTV and the free streaming service U, viewers can watch a range of new and returning programm...

01/04/2026

UKTV announces expanded remit for Jonathan Newman and appoints David Swetman as Director of Content Partnerships & Sales

UKTV today announces that Jonathan Newman has formally stepped into the role of ...

17/03/2026

Sam Tewungwa Appointed CEO of UKTV

UKTV today announces the appointment of Sam Tewungwa as Chief Executive Officer, who will lead the company's next phase of growth. Tewungwa, currently Mana...

11/03/2026

Reign extended for CLASSIC CAR KINGS with two more series ordered for U and U&YESTERDAY

Following a successful first series, UKTV today announces the commission of two ...

09/03/2026

UKTV Strengthens Partnership with Samsung to Deliver on Connected TV Strategy

UKTV has agreed a new partnership deal with Samsung that makes UKTV's free linear channels available to internet-only Samsung TV viewers in the UK for the f...

26/02/2026

UKTV Highlights: Saturday February 28th - Friday March 6th 2026

What can I watch on UKTV and stream on U this week? This week's highlights include new episodes of Will and Ralf Should Know Better, The Marlow Murder Club...

24/02/2026

Paul C. Brunson to front second series of true crime docu-series Red Flag for U and U&W

Paul C. Brunson: Red Flag to be produced by FirstLookTV and launch in 2026 UKTV...

19/02/2026

UKTV Highlights Saturday February 21st - Friday February 27th 2026

What can I watch on UK TV this week?What can I stream on U this week? This guide highlights new and returning comedy, a critically acclaimed drama series avai...

13/02/2026

UKTV Highlights Saturday February 14th - Friday February 20th 2026

What can I watch on UKTV this week?What can I stream on U this week? This guide highlights romantic dramas for Valentine's Day, alternative relationship t...

06/02/2026

UKTV Highlights Saturday February 7th - Friday February 13th 2026

What can I watch on TV in the UK this week? What can I watch on U&GOLD? What can I stream on U this week? This week on UKTV, viewers can watch a range of new a...

05/02/2026

BBC Studios and UKTV appoint Karin Marelle as Global Head of Acquisitions

BBC Studios and UKTV have appointed Karin Marelle to lead their Global Acquisitions team, overseeing the sourcing of content across BBC Studios' global chan...

03/02/2026

A host of comedians to find The Way Out on U and U&Dave

Mel Giedroyc fronts brand new comedy entertainment format 3rd February 2026, London: U and U&Dave is set to launch brand-new escape room comedy entertainment s...

02/02/2026

Bergerac S2 teaser released, ahead of return to U and U&DRAMA in Spring

Ahead of the hotly anticipated return of Bergerac to U and U&DRAMA in the Spring, a teaser has been released to give viewers a glimpse at what's in store in...

29/01/2026

Outback Terror: The Falconio Murder

New two-part true crime documentary, OUTBACK TERROR: THE FALCONIO MURDER, aims to shed new light on a case that continues to intrigue on both sides of the world...

26/01/2026

FIRST LOOK images released for Mark Gatiss' Bookish S2, as Ruth Codd joins cast

Bookish is created by and stars Mark Gatiss Images available HERE Following th...

15/01/2026

UKTV Enjoys Best Year Yet: VOD Viewing and Linear Share Hit Record Levels

Views to free streaming service U grew by 15%, average monthly active users by 23% and registrations by 18% UKTV's channels achieved record viewing share, ...

06/01/2026

Channel 4 and UKTV Deliver Unmissable Entertainment and More Choice for Viewers

Channel 4 and UKTV are giving viewers even more reasons to stream, with UKTV's U service set to feature thousands of hours of free, unmissable and bingeable...