January 2022 will see the return of BBC Three to the nations television sets, ending a 6 year online hiatus.

Started in 2003, BBC Three’s return has been expected following hits on the platform such as Normal People and Fleabag. It has also served as the breeding ground for new British talent in the past, something the broadcaster is keen to re-establish.

In a statement from the BBC it said: “BBC Three has a strong heritage in breaking and supporting new British talent and this will create a bigger platform to launch and celebrate them.”

“The BBC needs to back success and make sure its programmes reach as many young people as possible wherever they live in the UK,” said the BBC’s chief content officer, Charlotte Moore. 

“So regardless of the debates about the past, we want to give BBC Three its own broadcast channel again.”

When it returns, BBC Three will be targeted at audiences aged 16-34, broadcasting from 19:00 to 04:00 each day. CBBC’s broadcast hours will revert to closing at 19:00.