Game Of Thrones broadcaster Sky has brushed aside economic uncertainty surrounding Britain’s referendum on the European Union to drive up revenues and profits.

The firm lifted operating profits 12% to £1.6bn in the full year to June 30, while revenues climbed 7% to £11.9bn over the period.

The financial boost came as revenues leapt above £8bn in the UK for the first time in its history to £8.3bn after adding 445,000 customers, including 93,000 in the fourth quarter.

In total, the company bolstered customer numbers to 808,000 across the group to 21.8m.

Sky said more than six million people watched each episode of Game Of Thrones, while high finance dramas, starring Damian Lewis and Paul Giamatti, broke on-demand records with 11 million views.

Shares were up 6% on the London market.

Group chief executive Jeremy Darroch said the results underscored “another excellent year for Sky”.

He added: “Each of our markets is making very strong progress. In the UK and Ireland we passed £8bn in revenue for the first time by giving consumers more and more reasons to choose Sky including our new premium service, Sky Q.

“In Germany and Austria, we have broadened our TV offering to attract more customers.

“Today we are announcing the launch of Sky 1, which combines with our new Sky Arts channel, Sky Atlantic and increased on-demand content to create a compelling entertainment portfolio.”