Expansion builds on broadcaster's successful FAST launch and grows portfolio to 12 channels
New channels dedicated to iconic brands including Top Gear, EastEnders, Casualty and Antiques Roadshow launch across LG Channels and Freely
Commercial broadcaster UKTV today announces the launch of eight new Free Ad-supported Streaming TV (FAST) channels in the UK, expanding its growing FAST offering with dedicated destinations for some of the UK's most-loved television brands.
Launching before the end of the year, across LG Channels and Freely, the new channels will provide UK viewers with curated access to hundreds of episodes from iconic BBC programmes spanning drama, entertainment, lifestyle and factual programming:
- Antiques Roadshow on U
- Bargain Hunt on U
- Casualty on U
- DIY SOS on U
- EastEnders on U
- Gardeners' World on U
- Holby City on U
- Top Gear on U
The new channels give audiences the chance to revisit some of television's most memorable moments and enduring characters, from the arrival of the Branning family and the infamous "Stax" storyline in EastEnders, to Charlie Fairhead's years on Casualty. Viewers can also rediscover Tim Wonnacott's final series of Bargain Hunt, Monty Don's arrival on Gardeners' World, memorable episodes of Antiques Roadshow featuring Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh, and popular Top Gear specials including the Patagonia and Polar Specials.
The new FAST channels build on UKTV's existing FAST portfolio of U&Laughs, U&Transport, U&Real Heroes and U&The Past, which will also launch on LG Channels and Freely. The launch of the eight new channels will expand UKTV's FAST portfolio to 12 channels, further increasing opportunities for audiences to discover and enjoy free-to-watch content built around some of television's most enduring brands.
The FAST expansion has been led by UKTV's commercial and platform teams and forms part of the broadcaster's continued investment in free streaming across its partner platforms and streaming service, U, alongside continuing investment in UKTV’s pay TV services.
Jonathan Newman, Chief Commercial Officer, UKTV (and BBC Studios UK Region), said: "The launch of these channels is an exciting moment for UKTV, helping us reach new audiences, unlock advertising revenue and grow our streaming presence through harnessing the power of great British television. We're delighted to be launching with LG Channels and Freely for the first time."
Andrea Amey, Chief Digital Officer, UKTV, said: “Our new FAST channels bring together some of the most loved brands in British television, from Top Gear and EastEnders to Gardeners' World and Antiques Roadshow. By creating dedicated destinations for these programmes, we're making it easier for viewers to rediscover favourite episodes and enjoy hundreds of hours of great content for free.”
The new channels will begin rolling out across LG Channels and Freely before the end of the year, with additional platform agreements currently under discussion.
ENDS
For more information please contact:
Rebecca Ferris, Corporate Communications Manager, UKTV
rebecca.ferris@uktv.co.uk
Notes to Editors:
- Antiques Roadshow on U invites viewers to uncover fascinating stories behind treasured objects and family heirlooms. Featuring series presented by Fiona Bruce, the channel includes memorable visits across the UK as well as a special episode featuring Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh.
- Bargain Hunt on U offers armchair treasure hunters the chance to enjoy back-to-back episodes of the long-running daytime favourite.
- Casualty on U allows audiences to revisit memorable storylines featuring Charlie Fairhead, Tess Bateman and Zoe Hanna, alongside Brenda Fricker's emotional return as "Pigeon Lady" Megan Roach for a three-episode farewell.
- DIY SOS on U showcases some of the programme's most memorable transformations presented by Nick Knowles and the DIY SOS team, viewers will also be able to watch a special appearance by Prince William.
- EastEnders on U transports audiences back to Albert Square in the mid-2000s. Episodes chronicle the arrival of the Branning family, the shock announcement of Kathy Beale's death and Pauline Fowler's final storyline, while also revisiting the infamous Bradley, Stacey and Max love triangle that became known to fans as "Stax".
- Gardeners' World on U takes viewers back through some of the most memorable episodes of the long-running gardening favourite. The channel includes episodes charting Monty Don's arrival on the programme, alongside practical gardening tips, seasonal inspiration and expert advice for gardeners of all experience levels.
- Holby City on U takes viewers back to some of the most dramatic moments from Darwin and Keller wards, including appearances from Denis Lawson, Anthony Daniels and Eric Sykes, alongside popular characters including Ric Griffin, Chrissie Williams and Elliot Hope.
- Top Gear on U puts viewers in the driving seat with more than 20 years of one of the world's most successful motoring franchises. Featuring the original presenting line-up, fan-favourite specials including the Patagonia Special and Polar Special, the channel also includes celebrity guests including Margot Robbie, David Tennant, Lewis Hamilton and Michael Sheen.
About UKTV
UKTV has been at the forefront of British television for over 30 years, with programmes spanning comedy, entertainment, natural history, factual and drama, available across its channel portfolio and its free streaming service, U (u.co.uk).
Shows from UKTV’s free‑to‑air channels - U&Dave, U&DRAMA, U&W, U&YESTERDAY and U&eden - can be watched free in the UK on U, and via Freeview, Freesat, Freely, Sky and Virgin Media, with on‑demand access to thousands of hours of original commissions, acquisitions and archive titles.
UKTV’s pay TV brands - U&GOLD and U&alibi - are available in the UK via Sky, Virgin Media and NOW.
In Ireland, UKTV's channels are available via Sky, Virgin Media, Eir, Vodafone and NOW. UKTV’s FAST channels are not currently available in Ireland.
UKTV is a significant investor in British creativity, commissioning original content and working with new and established writers, directors and programme-makers across genres.
UKTV is part of BBC Studios, the UK’s most-awarded production company and commercial subsidiary of the BBC.