RTÉ comedy series Bridget & Eamon has been acquired by UKTV, with the series set to air in the UK on comedy channel Gold.

Bridget & Eamon, which stars Jennifer Zamparelli and Bernard O'Shea, debuted on RTÉ 2 in February. Written by O'Shea, Zamparelli and Jason Butler, the show is set in the 1980s and stars Zamparelli as housewife Bridget and O’Shea as her hapless husband Eamon.

Under the new deal, which marks the first time that an RTÉ fully funded comedy will air in the UK, the six-episode sitcom will air on the comedy channel, Gold, this autumn.

Bridget & Eamon started life as a sketch on The Republic of Telly and such was its popularity, both on television and social media, that RTÉ commissioned a full series late last year. Following strong ratings for its first season, Bridget & Eamon was renewed for a second series earlier this summer.

The unhappily married couple live somewhere in the Irish Midlands with their indeterminate number of children. Chain-smoking Bridget has “notions" even though times are tough and among Eamon’s many annoying habits is his inability to make money.

The show features the cream of Irish comedy and acting talent, including Norma Sheahan, Eleanor Tiernan and Sharon Mannion as Bridget's neighbours, Colum McDonnell as Eamon's mate Fierce Handy Frank and Edwin Sammon as the local parish priest.

Taking to Twitter, Zamparelli thanked fans of the show for their messages of congratulations saying they are delighted that the show will reach a new audience.

"Thanks for all the lovely tweets. Myself @boshea5 @jasonbutler delighted #Bridget&Eamon goin to UK on comedy channel Gold #choppychangey" she tweeted.

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