A smash hit American series based on one of the most famous books of all time is to be broadcast in the UK later this year.

But whether or not Britain's broadly secular television audiences will be quite as captivated by the ten-hour serialisation of the bible remains to be seen. With five hours devoted to each Testament, featuring everyone from Adam to Isaac and Moses to Delilah, and a sequel series in the works, fans and critics alike will certainly have plenty to discuss.

The series was created by Mark Burnett, the producer who brought audiences the reality competitions Survivor and The Voice. In the US it was screened over the Easter period and attracted more than 13 million viewers – more than matching American Idol's popularity.

Across the Atlantic it was shown on the History Channel, but in this country it will be screened on Richard Desmond's Channel 5 in the autumn.

The series includes both live action footage and computer generated scenes.

"We wanted to show how the Old Testament connects seamlessly to the New Testament. How they are one sweeping story with one grand, overriding message," said creators Burnett and Roma Downey.

Channel 5's acquisitions manager, Marie-Claire Dunlop, said: "These are stories that can't fail to draw you in."