Oh dear. Do you want to watch Lost for free? Well, you can’t anymore. Why? Sky One has trumped Channel Four by getting the rights to series three and four. Looks like it’s back to the old illegal downloads again for you stealers out there.

Channel 4 originally signed the series on a two-year deal in 2004 and has been in contract renewal negotiations with Buena VIsta International TV for several months. It is understood that Sky outbid C4 and other rival broadcasters for the new contract.

"We are confident that Sky will build upon the established success of Lost, bringing the series to viewers in flexible ways, ideally suited to its watercooler, must-see status," said Tom Toumazis, top cheese at Bueno Vista.

The ‘flexible ways’ will include the ability to watch the latest episodes via broadband and mobile phone. The series is also likely to air in high definition on the Sky One HD channel.

Sky One honcho Richard Woolfe said that Lost had been "the envy of every network" since its launch on Channel 4 last year. "The series has defined TV drama over the last two years. We are absolutely thrilled to bring it to Sky One."

Losing Lost will be a massive blow for Channel Four, who saw it become one of the biggest imports that TV has ever seen. To save a disaster, Channel 4 will now be digging deep to keep hold of its other big rater, Desperate Housewives. The broadcaster signed the drama on the same two-year deal as Lost but has yet to agree terms for a new contract. Sky One will certainly be sniffing.[Mof Gimmers]