BBC Three cleared to relaunch as TV channel in February

By Neil Wilkes, Editor-in-chief | 1h

Ofcom approves BBC Three's restoration as a linear TV channel from February 1, 2022.

TV regulator Ofcom has given the BBC the green light to relaunch BBC Three as a linear TV channel in February.

The station closed down and transitioned to an online-only proposition in February 2016 but in a surprise U-turn earlier this year, the corporation announced plans to restore the service following the success of shows such as Normal People and RuPaul's Drag Race UK.

The move required approval from Ofcom, who today granted the request on the condition that at least 75% of programmes shown will be original commissions targeted at a UK audience.

BBC Three controller Fiona Campbell said: "I'm absolutely thrilled that Ofcom have now confirmed that BBC Three will be returning to TV screens next year.

"This is a big moment, with the new channel providing a destination for young audiences to discover more content on the BBC.

"We will work hand in hand with iPlayer to provide a broad offering that is representative of the whole of the UK and we will continue to back new talent and bold ideas.

"This approach will bring the audience a distinctive mix of programmes that are there to entertain, inspire and challenge thinking, at a pivotal and exciting time to be young in the UK."

The channel, which will air daily between 7pm and 4am, will launch on February 1, 2022 on Freeview, Sky, Freesat and Virgin Media.