A theme park with rides and attractions based on some of the BBC's biggest shows is set to open after the corporation's commercial arm struck a deal with Hollywood giant Paramount Pictures.

It will be opened on a site which is part of a £2 billion development near Swanscombe in Kent that will include a water park and a 2,000 seat theatre alongside the theme park.

The company behind it, London Resort Company Holding (LRCH), are staying tight-lipped about which programmes are involved but are believed to be looking at internationally-successful shows including Top Gear, Doctor Who and Sherlock.

The firm said the "partnership agreement" with BBC Worldwide would "mean some of the best loved and celebrated programmes and characters to appear on British TV and radio in recent decades could be brought to life at a new world-class entertainment destination".

Stephen Davies, Director of Live Events at BBC Worldwide, said: "We're always looking for opportunities to extend fans' enjoyment of their favourite shows and the idea behind this resort is a really exciting way of celebrating the very special place the BBC has in British culture."