BBC THREE RETURNS TO LINEAR TV THIS FEBRUARY - DATE CONFIRMED

BBC Three will be returning as a broadcast channel after Ofcom published their decision to approve the channel.

The new broadcast channel will launch on Tuesday 1st February 2022 and will be available on Freeview, Sky, Virgin and Freesat with EPG numbers to be confirmed at a later date.

As part of its opening night, the channel will launch new series RuPaul's Drag Race UK Vs The World - exact TX times are to be confirmed. With the UK as the host nation, for the first time in Drag Race Herstory, renowned queens from different franchises and cultures will compete in an international arena showcasing their country’s finest drag in their bid to become the ultimate Drag Race Superstar.

Michelle Visage, Graham Norton, Alan Carr and a sparkling array of superstar guest judges will join RuPaul to help him decide… Who will be queen of the world and named the first Global Drag Race Superstar?! Let the battle commence…

Commenting on the decision, Fiona Campbell, Controller BBC Three 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.”