Holden stars in the BBC drama Cutting It

UKG2 replaces UK Gold 2 and will offer a selection of BBC One and BBC Two comedy hits and will repeat popular drama series such as Cutting It.

The channel will be available to digital satellite and cable viewers and will broadcast from 2000 GMT to 0500 GMT each day.

The new channel is backed with an ad campaign which mocks ITV's Pop Idol.

The first night's viewing includes The Kumars At Number 42, Rock Profiles, Have I Got News For You and Double Take.

The channel will compete with BBC Three, ITV2 and E4.

'Distinct audience'

Dick Emery, chief executive of UKTV, a joint venture between Telewest and BBC Worldwide, said: "When we looked at the UK Gold audience, we identified a younger, more contemporary group that was not being clearly catered for.

"The result was the development of UKG2 which we believe will attract a new and distinct audience to the Gold family and therefore to the UKTV portfolio."

Matt Tombs, head of entertainment and drama at UKTV, said: "UKG2 will quickly become a channel of choice for its target market.

"UKG2 will be the sharpest combination of drama, comedy, quiz and chat shows for upmarket viewers who like TV with a certain bite."