BBC Two has struck a deal with NBC that will give the British channel first refusal on future seasons of Heroes. The network is currently showing the 23 episodes of the first series, with the second to follow.

Under the deal, the BBC will have the option of buying all content beyond the second season at a pre-agreed price.

As it has in American, Heroes is doing very well overseas. In July, the show's debut on BBC Two captured an audience of 4.3 million, a sizable figure in Great Britain.

In a statement, BBC said: "We're delighted to have secured an exclusive ongoing deal with NBC Universal. This means that if NBC Universal produce more seasons of Heroes (beyond season two, which is already in production) the BBC can buy them at a pre-agreed price.

This ensures that the BBC can continue to show Heroes at a cost that represents real value for money."