Hit US comedy Family Guy has been poached by ITV2.

The surreal cartoon, which follows the adventures of Peter Griffin and his offbeat family, has previously been broadcast in the UK on BBC3.

There was speculation that the show, set in the fictional town of Quahog, Rhode Island, could move following the corporation's plans to move BBC3 online.

US star Seth MacFarlane created the Emmy award-winning series and also voices dog Brian, dad Peter and one-year-old Stewie in the show.

Mila Kunis and Seth Green voice teenage children Meg and Chris.

MacFarlane's other comedies - American Dad, The Cleveland Show and his new series Bordertown, set in a fictitious desert town near the Mexican border - will also be broadcast on ITV2 as part of the multi-year deal.

The new, 15th series of Family Guy will be shown in the UK on ITV2 this autumn.

ITV director of television Peter Fincham said: "Seth MacFarlane's shows have firmly established him as the comedy voice of choice for an entire generation.

"Seth is sharp, hugely irreverent and brilliantly funny, which is reflected in his fantastic shows. We are delighted to be welcoming him and his comic creations to ITV."

Twentieth Century Fox Television Distribution's president of international television Marion Edwards said: "Family Guy is one of our most important, iconic series and we are very excited about this new collaboration.

"We are confident that this extraordinary series will not only bring its loyal fan base to ITV, but will also be embraced by an entirely new set of fans."

The BBC announced last year that it planned to move BBC3, famous for hits like Gavin And Stacey, online only in a drive to save money.

The plan is being considered by the BBC Trust.