Latest news with #Freely
Metro
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
Free streaming service adds 'bingeable' new drama perfect for Pride Month
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video If you want to celebrate Pride Month by bingeing an inspiring, funny LGBTQ+ TV series, you shouldn't have to pay a subscription fee to do it. Fortunately, there are a handful of free streaming services out there that won't cost you a penny. Tubi is one of these, and boasts 97 million users, and Pluto TV is also a popular option. Freely, meanwhile, has a huge catalogue of LGBTQ+ stories to stream, from inspiring documentaries to heartwarming comedy. And this month, it's added a new coming-of-age drama: What It Feels Like For A Girl. The eight-parter is based on the memoir of award-winning author and trailblazing trans rights campaigner Paris Lees, chronicling her tumultuous upbringing in the 2000s. What It Feels Like For A Girl landed on BBC Three, BBC iPlayer, and Freely on June 3. The series follows Byron (played by Ellis Howard), who, desperate to break free from his small, working-class town, escapes to Nottingham's vibrant underworld on a quest of self-discovery and enlightenment. And reviews have heaped praise on the new BBC drama. The Guardian called it 'extraordinary' and 'a wild ride', while the Independent applauded its 'messy' and 'raw' nature. Freely is a relatively new way to stream live and on-demand shows for free in the UK, with content from the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5. It was launched in 2024 and replicates the terrestrial TV experience of browsing through a programme guide, but is accessed via WiFi. All on-demand content from apps such as BBC iPlayer and ITVX is also available in the app, and it allows viewers to pause and rewind live TV too. Freely is completely free with a compatible TV. Hisense, Bush, Panasonic, Sharp and Toshiba are all manufacturers that currently sell TVs with the app — all you need to do is press the Freely button on your TV remote to open it. With thousands of members from all over the world, our vibrant LGBTQ+ WhatsApp channel is a hub for all the latest news and important issues that face the LGBTQ+ community. Simply click on this link, select 'Join Chat' and you're in! Don't forget to turn on notifications! Meanwhile, The Times hailed What It Feels Like For A Girl as 'bingeable' as well as 'funny, heartbreaking, occasionally disturbing, sharply written and well acted'. The i called it 'an absolute riot'. Speaking exclusively to Metro, Howard, known for roles such as Red Rose (2022) and Help (2021), said Paris' memoir 'touched' him, and made him feel 'seen'. 'I read the book, and I fell in love with it, and I couldn't believe that they were making it into a BBC drama, warts and all,' he explained. 'I couldn't believe it was gonna be on television, so I was desperate to be part of it in any way.' Boasting a cast of fresh, vibrant talent, What It Feels Like For A Girl is keen to remind viewers of one simple yet poignant message — trans people have always existed and will always exist. But it's not the only LGBTQ+ story available on the streaming app at the moment. Lost Boys and Fairies, BBC iPlayer: A heartbreaking, joyous and musical tale of gay couple Andy and Gabriel's journey to adoption. Smoggie Queens, BBC iPlayer: A fiercely loving chosen family of LGBTQ+ friends from Middlesbrough navigate love, life, and their pride for a town that feels neglected. Spent, BBC iPlayer: Inspired by Michelle de Swarte's own life, this uplifting comedy drama follows model Mia, who may have a world-class skincare regime, but her career has crashed down to earth. Juice, BBC iPlayer: Jamma's on a quest for attention — from anyone. A trippy, comic joyride through chaotic family life and a literal stumble through love, starring Mawaan Rizwan and Russell Tovey. I Kissed A Boy, BBC iPlayer: Pop goddess Dannii Minogue plays cupid in the UK's first ever gay dating show. No small talk, no swiping — it's all about the first kiss. I Kissed A Girl, BBC iPlayer: You guessed it. Dannii Minogue plays cupid to ten singles in the ladies-only spin-off series from I Kissed A Boy. RuPaul's Drag Race UK, BBC iPlayer: UK drag queens battle it out to dazzle Mama Ru, the celeb judges and the amazing Michelle Visage in the hopes of emerging as the ultimate winner. Mr. Loverman, BBC iPlayer: Barry is hiding a secret – but it's not what his wife suspects. This is a life-affirming story about being true to yourself, starring Lennie James and based on the novel by Bernardine Evaristo. In My Skin, BBC iPlayer: Bethan deals with the quiet heartbreak of an imperfect family and the awkwardly real anxieties of teenage life and sexuality in this bittersweet story with Welsh wit and grit. Love, Victor, BBC iPlayer: A heartfelt high school tale of finding out who you are and coming out to the world, from the writers of 2018 film Love, Simon. Gentleman Jack, BBC iPlayer: In Halifax in 1832, Anne Lister shakes up her shabby ancestral home, determined to restore its fortunes and find herself a wife. Changing Ends, ITVX: Between a dad managing a fourth division football club and friends ditching him for being camp, Alan wants to change. Should he go against his instincts and become a footballer? Confessions of Frannie Langtern, ITVX: A powerful period drama about a young Jamaican woman who arrives in Georgian London. When a crime takes place, Frannie is accused. But is she to blame? #MyPride, ITVX: Famous faces mark Pride by opening up about their experiences of being part of the LGBTQ+ community and writing poignant letters to their 14-year-old selves. Butterfly, ITVX: 11-year-old Max begins to dress and live life as a girl. But when he wants to be known as Maxine, his father struggles to cope with the news. Vicious, ITVX: Freddie and Stuart have been partners for nearly 50 years. As they host a wake to mark the passing of an old friend, they are joined by their new young neighbour upstairs, Ash. Feel Good, Channel 4: Mae Martin stars as Mae in this comedy, who is recovering from drug dependence and navigating the modern-day world of love, addiction and sexuality. Big Boys, Channel 4: Jack Rooke's comedy follows two mismatched boys who strike up an unlikely friendship when they're thrown together at university. It's a Sin, Channel 4: Critically acclaimed drama from Russell T Davies about a group of friends living in London in the shadow of the AIDS epidemic. Queer as Folk, Channel 4: Set in and around the Manchester 'scene', this groundbreaking Channel 4 drama, written by Russell T Davies, documents the lives and loves of young gay men Stuart, Vince and Nathan. More Trending Virgin Island, Channel 4: More people are remaining virgins for longer and, in this reality show, adults embark on a unique course to overcome their intimacy anxiety. Freddie Mercury: In His Own Words, Channel 5: The story of Freddie's career from his early days in Queen to the height of their fame. Jamie: Drag Queen at 16, U: After coming out at age 14, teenager Jamie Campbell has faced his fair share of difficulties while growing up in an ex-mining village in County Durham. But now he's attending his prom in drag. View More » What It Feels Like For A Girl is available on BBC Three, BBC iPlayer and Freely now. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Inside Jamie Laing and Sophie Habboo's marriage as they announce pregnancy MORE: Emmerdale pulled from ITV schedules amid huge death story MORE: Call the Midwife rejects claim star was 'disrespected' before shock exit
Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
End of your aerial? New Freeview rival could soon offer a better way to watch TV
Freeview could soon be under pressure from a new rival that doesn't need an aerial. It's hard to argue that Freeview still rules the roost when it comes to watching TV without paying a monthly fee. This totally free platform features over 100 channels, which are all available via a standard aerial on your roof. Millions of homes across the UK now rely on Freeview for their nightly fix of entertainment but its days could well be numbered. More of us are now moving away from traditional methods of watching content and switching over to streaming instead. Sky recently confirmed that its Stream box and Glass TV - which receive live shows, sports and movies via an internet connection - are now its biggest sellers and now there's another way to tune into the telly. Freely, which is actually owned by the same team as Freeview, first launched last year and is slowly improving with more manufacturers including it in their screens and new features being added on a regular basis. It even recently received a boost which now offers a backwards TV guide which lets you find things to watch that have been previously aired. It's a smart system that's clearly getting a lot of investment, and now there could be an even bigger reason to consider ditching Freeview and that aerial that wobbles around on your chimney. It's recently been revealed that a Freely may soon start making a dedicated set-top box. For those not in the know, the only way to currently access this streaming service is to buy a brand new television with it pre-installed. Another issue is that some manufactures - such as LG and Samsung - haven't yet joined the Freely revolution and don't offer any screens with it installed. If a standalone set-top box arrived, it would fix these problems and make it seem far more enticing. Explaining more about the future, BBC 's Tim Davie recently said: "At the BBC we have been working hard to build digital platforms and content to meet changing audience needs, enriching our offer and welcoming the possibilities of a post broadcast world. "We think now is the time to confirm an IP switchover in the 2030s, setting out the conditions and providing certainty to ensure success. "The BBC can play a key role in innovating to ensure that the new world is inclusive and accessible. "To help, we want to double down on Freely as a universal free service to deliver live TV over broadband. And we are considering a streaming media device with Freely capabilities built in, with a radically simplified user interface specifically designed to help those yet to benefit from IP services." TiVo also recently hinted that they could also bring a Freely-powered set-top box to the UK in the future. This update would be a direct rival for Sky Stream, which also turns old TVS into fully smart content hubs. We don't have full details just yet, but watch this space.
Scotsman
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
BBC wants to launch its own streaming stick
BBC could be launching its own Fire TV Stick rival 👀 Sign up to the weekly Cost Of Living newsletter. Saving tips, deals and money hacks. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The BBC is looking to release its own streaming stick. It would help to 'prepare' Brits for the future switchover from terrestrial TV. But what do we know about the potential device? The BBC is plotting to launch its own streaming stick to help Brits 'prepare' for the 'end of terrestrial TV'. The big switchover to streaming-only television is being eyed to take place in the 2030s. The Beeb's device could rival popular devices like Amazon's Fire TV stick and act as a 'bridge' to help viewers get ready for the change. The broadcaster's director general has reportedly held discussions with ITV, Channel 4 and 5 bosses over the stick. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad But why is the switchover coming - and when can you expect it? Here's all you need to know: BBC plots its own streaming stick to rival Fire TV The Times recently reported that the Beeb is considering launching its own streaming stick device - in the vein of Fire TV, Roku, etc. Tim Davie, BBC Director-General, explained that it could help 'take people over the bridge' and get used to watching TV without need for an aerial. In a speech in Manchester , he added: 'To help, we want to double down on Freely as a universal free service to deliver live TV over broadband. And we are considering a streaming media device with Freely capabilities built in, with a radically simplified user interface specifically designed to help those yet to benefit from IP services.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad BBC Broadcasting House |Mr Davie explained: 'I talked a few years ago about my belief that we needed to own digital switchover, not get dragged, and proactively shape the future." When could terrestrial TV end in the UK? You do not have to worry about your terrestrial TV disappearing anytime soon. Under current legislation, the future of terrestrial TV has been secured through to 2034. But the future after that date remains up in the air- and the switch would mean that shows would be broadcast over streaming instead of via an aerial. Expect a big public information campaign much closer to the time to make sure you are aware of the change. A BBC report explains: 'The days of turning on your TV and finding an electronic programme guide listing channels – with BBC1 and BBC2 at the top, then ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5 – are disappearing. The proposed date for the dawn of a new era is 2035; the end of traditional terrestrial TV as we know it.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Tim Davie said: 'At the BBC we have been working hard to build digital platforms and content to meet changing audience needs, enriching our offer and welcoming the possibilities of a post broadcast world. 'We think now is the time to confirm an IP switchover in the 2030s, setting out the conditions and providing certainty to ensure success. He continued: 'There are huge benefits, financially and socially, and we want to play our part, working with Government, with our sector and beyond to help - building trust that a digital world can work for all. The BBC can play a key role in innovating to ensure that the new world is inclusive and accessible. 'To help, we want to double down on Freely as a universal free service to deliver live TV over broadband. And we are considering a streaming media device with Freely capabilities built in, with a radically simplified user interface specifically designed to help those yet to benefit from IP services.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Have you got a story you want to share with our readers? You can now send it to us online via YourWorld at . It's free to use and, once checked, your story will appear on our website and, space allowing, in our newspapers.
Daily Mirror
27-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Argos cuts 4K Samsung TV to 'lowest price ever' with special code
Argos is selling a 50-inch Samsung TV for less than £300 as part of its Big Red Event Argos shoppers on the lookout for a bargain on tech devices in the retailer's bank holiday sale can bag a big saving thanks to a special coupon code. By using the discount code RED10 at checkout, Argos will slash 10% off the highly-rated 50" Samsung Crystal UHD 4K Smart TV. For those looking to spend a bit less, there are options available on the high street, including Amazon's 40% saving on the LG 50" 4K UHD TV, reduced from £399.99 to £239. This 4K Ultra HD TV boasts a contemporary slimline look and delivers an 'AI Sound Experience' alongside 'vibrant picture quality'. Another choice is the Hisense 50" 4K UHD TV at Currys, currently priced at £249, down from £329. This model comes with integrated Amazon Alexa and Freely, delivering live and on-demand TV over WiFi. But those opting for Argos' offer can benefit from the 50" Samsung 's built-in Smart TV capability, which allows users to tap into their digital channels and streaming apps like Netflix, Prime Video and Disney+. Additionally, it offers the Samsung TV Plus function, providing immediate access to a vast array of extra free channels. Whether streaming YouTube clips or box sets, the Samsung Crystal Processor 4K enhances everything to 4K Ultra HD quality. It also includes the Samsung Gaming Hub, collating major console and streaming games in one place, reports the Express. The Samsung TV has earned a 4.6-star rating from 75 Argos reviews, 69 of which are four or five stars. One happy customer said: "Easy to set up and great looking with fabulous picture quality." Another said: "Great picture and excellent sound. Excellent value for money." However, not everyone was so pleased, as one less impressed buyer said: "Simple to set up and good price, but picture quality very poor despite adjusting it numerous times." But this satisfied shopper said: "I bought this a few weeks ago and it has been great. The picture quality and the TV smart response is decent. So far no issues. Argos Service has been great. It got delivered as mentioned on the next day." This review said: "This is has to be the best version of TV set I have ever used. Great picture quality and energy efficient. Good sound and internet friendly."
North Wales Live
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- North Wales Live
Win the ultimate home setup with the award-winning Hisense 55" U7N TV and PureFlat RQ760N4IFE Smart Fridge Freezer
As we quickly approach the hotly anticipated FIFA Club World Cup 2025, leading tech and appliance manufacturer and Official Sponsors of the tournament – Hisense – is giving one lucky winner the opportunity to upgrade their set up with the award-winning 55' U7N TV and PureFlat RQ760N4IFE Smart Fridge Freezer, worth over £2,500! The Hisense 55' U7N TV redefines viewing standards with features such as advanced Mini LED PRO technology for superior control over brightness and colour accuracy as well as Quantum Dot Colour Technology, meaning you'll be at the heart of the action with an immersive experience. And with Freely built in, a new streaming platform that allows you to watch live and on-demand content for free without the need for an ariel, just Wi-Fi, you can catch up on all your favourite shows too – new and old! It's a fantastic TV for gamers too, with 144Hz Game Mode PRO offering smooth and responsive gameplay that keeps you well ahead of the competition and delivers the most responsive and detailed gaming experience yet. Having also been recognised as a Which? Best Buy last year, this TV is truly an excellent addition to your home. Not only will Hisense level up your TV set up, but your kitchen will also benefit with the addition of the PureFlat RQ760N4IFE Smart Fridge Freezer. The versatile cross door refrigerator includes a multi-functional touch screen that can be used as a message board, shopping list, food inventory, and can screen share from your TV. Smart WI-FI mode means the user can adjust the refrigerator's temperature settings from a smart phone via the ConnectLife app even when far from home, along with the Eclipse Dark Anti-bacterial interior which helps to keep food hygienic and safe. The Premium Flat Door Design with recessed handles seamlessly integrates the refrigerator with the rest of the kitchen to create an effortlessly built-in look. Combining style and practicality, the My Fresh Choice compartment can also be switched to become extra fridge or freezer space, perfect for the summer months offering you complete flexibility. With 32 of the world's most successful clubs taking to the stage, which kicks off on 14th June, you too can have a world class set up with the latest premium technology which fits seamlessly into your lifestyle. What are you waiting for? Enter now to be in with a chance of winning the perfect Hisense home technology upgrade for the summer. Simply fill in the form below. If you can't see the form, click here. This competition closes at 23:45 on the 29th June 2025. Good luck!
