There is no reason why an R44 ENG version cannot successfully operate in the UK. It's only limitation is over The Specified Area of London and the continuing strange rule of Public Transport must have floats over water - but Private doesn't have to. Even the turbines have problems with this - and it has been known for a flight and crew to suddenly "go private" to get round a wierd rule.
I know for a fact that the R44 ENG came very close to getting the Sky deal - and that a well known member of the TV profession has placed an order for the ENG with Robinson. Seems it could be certified and running soon.
Comes complete with 3 cameras (incl a nosemount better than FLIR - the FLIR mount they used at first was eating gyros) and the ability to record onboard or transmitt via microwave for up to 80 miles.
And an "in the air" time that would make turbines weep. Very surprised that Sky have gone for the expensive route - what short memories those ex-ITN journos must have of the bank-buster which once stopped operating because there was no money in the pot to pay for a new gearbox.......