The expansion comes as Freely continues to attract viewers seeking television through broadband connections rather than traditional aerials. UKTV, the BBC-owned broadcaster behind the channels, plans to introduce the additions before the end of 2026, although an exact launch date has not been confirmed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Eight of the 12 channels will focus exclusively on individual BBC programs<\/strong>, offering viewers access to hundreds of episodes through scheduled broadcasts. The lineup includes Antiques Roadshow on U, Bargain Hunt on U, Casualty on U, DIY SOS on U, EastEnders on U, Gardeners\u2019 World on U, Holby City on U, and Top Gear on U.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Each channel will operate under the Free Ad-supported Streaming TV (FAST<\/strong>) model, which combines scheduled programming with commercial breaks. Unlike traditional television broadcasts<\/a>, these channels reach viewers through an internet connection rather than an aerial or satellite dish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The programming will include older episodes and selected moments from the shows’ histories. The EastEnders channel, for example, will revisit storylines from the mid-2000s, including the arrival of the Branning family and the relationship involving Bradley, Stacey, and Max.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Top Gear will feature more than two decades of episodes, including the Patagonia <\/strong>and Polar specials<\/strong>. Meanwhile, Holby City will revisit episodes from the medical drama, which ended in March 2022 after 23 series. Four existing UKTV streaming channels will also become available on Freely. These are U&Laughs, U&Transport, U&Real Heroes, and U&The Past, which were previously introduced to Virgin Media customers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n