MUMBAI: BBC Worldwide Channels has acquired Titanic ? the lavish new costume drama from the pen of Oscar-winner and Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes ? to air exclusively on BBC Entertainment in South Africa, the same day as the UK version concludes.

Created to mark the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the HMS Titanic, the 4 x 60? drama will transmit as double-bills on BBC Entertainment on 15 and 22 April.

The drama features a host of British acting talent including Linus Roache, Geraldine Somerville, Celia Imrie, Toby Jones, Perdita Weeks and James Wilby.

Filmed in Hungary, the mini-series will re-tell the story of the doomed voyage, weaving action, mystery and romantic plots and featuring fictional and historical characters, before coming together in an explosive and unforgettable finale.

Following the different characters travelling on the ill-fated ship - from steerage passengers to upper class guests - each point of view will culminate in a cliff hanger as the ship begins to founder, building to an explosive conclusion which draws together each of the stories. Viewers will be taken on a heart wrenching journey through the Titanic?s last hours, as the drama reveals which of the characters they have come to know so well will survive?and who does not.

BBC Worldwide Channels VP programming for Europe, Middle East and Africa Jon Farrar said, ?We?re delighted to be showing this prestigious drama exclusively on BBC Entertainment so soon after the hugely successful debut of Downton Abbey. As the first channel to bring the hotly-anticipated Downton Abbey to South Africa, it?s a thrill to be the only channel to show Julian Fellowes? latest project
too.?