MUMBAI: Keshet International (KI) has sold its critically acclaimed, BBC One UK drama The A Word (6 x 60’) to Swedish public service broadcaster, SVT.

The deal follows an agreement with SundanceTV which came on board as the series’ US partner back in January 2016 in and will begin airing the series in summer 2016.

Premiering internationally at MIPTV 2016, The A Word was one of 12 world class dramas to screen as part of the inaugural MIPDrama Screenings on 3 April.

Its UK premiere on BBC One attracted 4.7 million (47 lakh) live viewers, consolidating at 6 million (60 lakh, excluding BBC iPlayer). The A Word was written by BAFTA winner and Golden Globe nominee Peter Bowker (Marvellous, Blackpool) and directed by Oscar nominee and BAFTA winner Peter Cattaneo (The Full Monty, Rev). It is co-produced by Fifty Fathoms and Keshet UK for BBC One and centres around the messy, extended Hughes family which has a child newly diagnosed with autism at its centre.

SVT Sweden acquisitions executive series Henrik Palm said, "The A Word is a heartfelt family drama and a moving depiction of life with autism. We feel proud to team up with Keshet International on this fine BBC One drama, a project which we have followed with interest since its first Israeli incarnation."

Keshet International distribution managing director Keren Shahar said, “The A Word is a truly unique family drama, that can be seen in both the reception it has had from press and the impact it has had on viewers. We’re delighted that SVT has decided to bring it to the discerning Swedish audience.”

The A Word is based on the original Israeli series Yellow Peppers which was created by Keren Margalit who is also executive producer on the UK series. It is produced by Marcus Wilson (Doctor Who, Life on Mars) and executive produced by Patrick Spence and Jenny Frayn for Fifty Fathoms, Sara Johnson and Avi Nir for Keshet, and Lucy Richer for BBC One.