Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

BBC announces return date for BBC Three

Youth-focused channel was previously closed down in 2016

Sam Moore
Tuesday 11 January 2022 05:27 EST
Comments
Clip from BBC Three's 'Desperately Seeking Semen'

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

The BBC have announced that BBC Three will be returning on Tuesday 1 February.

The channel was taken off broadcast television in 2016 and moved online in an attempt to cut costs and attract younger audiences.

Following a number of hits that premiered on the online iteration of the channel, such as Fleabag, This Country and Normal People, BBC Three will now return to the airwaves next month.

As before, BBC Three will start broadcasting at 7pm and be available on Sky, Virgin Media, Freeview and Freesat, as well as iPlayer.

The BBC say the channel will feature a mix of comedy, drama, entertainment, news, documentaries and live sport.

Launch night will see the premiere of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK Versus The World. RuPaul, Alan Carr, Graham Norton and Michelle Visage will serve as judges on the show.

The BBC also confirmed that will be broadcasting live football matches from the ongoing African Cup of Nations. BBC Three viewers will be able to watch the semi-finals and final of the competition which is also being shown by Sky Sports.

The BBC’s African Cup of Nations programs will be fronted by ex-footballer and The One Show host, Jermaine Jenas.

Fiona Campbell, the controller for BBC Three, commented on securing the broadcast rights to the tournament: “We know how popular sport is with younger audiences and it’s going to have a big part to play on BBC Three.

“Afcon is set to be an incredibly exciting tournament with some of the best players in the world on show and it’s brilliant news that we will be showing the climax of the competition on free to air television.”

The original version of BBC Three produced a number of the UK’s most popular shows including Gavin & Stacey, Little Britain and Being Human.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in