The BBC has confirmed that it will retain the right to broadcast NBC's hit series Heroes throughout its run, with the third season airing on BBC2 eight days after its American initial broadcast.

"As long as Heroes is on in the US, we will show Heroes," BBC acquisitions head George McGhee told Digital Spy. "It's a long-term partnership, and I think that was the right thing to do. [NBC] are really pleased that we've got Heroes - and they don't want it going to a commercial broadcaster."

The Riches' Ntare Mwine is the latest addition confirmed for the cast, playing an artistic African who is close to many of the original Heroes. His special abilities will be developed throughout a nine-episode arc.

The webseries Going Postal, a prequel to the third season, will go live from Monday July 14th, featuring new Hero Echo DeMille, described by the network as "an everyday mailman" who "discovers a startling ability that makes him a target." The episodes can be viewed at NBC.com, although it is as yet unconfirmed whether international audiences will be able to access the content.

Click here for all the latest news in the official Heroes magazine!