5 days ago
Millions of Sky and Virgin customers warned of four TV changes coming to screens ahead of major channel closure
SKY and Virgin customers should expect a number of changes coming to the TV guide this week - right before a major channel closure happening next month.
The line-up is routinely overhauled to make way for closures, new arrivals, as well as rebrands.
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Sky Q boxes in particular have already received some big switches this week.
On Tuesday, more than 30 radio stations were shifted around on the TV guide for the first time in years.
Later this week, there are yet more changes on the way for some Sky and Virgin viewers, depending on your subscription.
And early next month there's a channel closure that will impact all platforms.
This week's changes take place on Friday and affect Sky Cinema.
Sky Cinema regularly changes up the channel names to reflect special themes and events.
From Friday, there are four to watch out for.
Sky Cinema Hits, Sky Cinema Action, Sky Cinema Drama and Sky Cinema 80s will all disappear temporarily.
They'll be replaced by Sky Cinema Blockbusters, Sky Cinema Karate Kid, Sky Cinema Pride and Sky Cinema Romance respectively.
For those who need a reminder of the channel numbers, they are as follows:
Sky Cinema Blockbusters - Sky 303 / Virgin 403
Sky Cinema Karate Kid - Sky 307 / Virgin 407
Sky Cinema Pride - Sky 310 / Virgin 410
Sky Cinema Romance - Sky 302 / Virgin 402
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Channel closure
Early in June a channel will sadly close after more than 10 years on air.
Fortunately, a replacement has been lined up already.
Reality TV destination ITVBe is disappearing from every platform, including Sky and Virgin, as well as Freeview, Freesat and Freely too.
The biggest ITVBe shows, like TOWIE, will move to ITV2.
Meanwhile, ITV is filling the vacant slot with a new channel called ITV Quiz.
ITV shows a number of popular game shows such as The Chase, Tipping Point, Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?, The 1% Club and Deal or No Deal - though it's not clear which will appear on ITV Quiz.
ITV has confirmed to The Sun that ITVBe will close and be replaced by ITV Quiz on June 9.
More channel closures 'inevitable'
An industry expert told The Sun that more channel closures are likely in 2025 and beyond.
"This is inevitable, more broadcasters will cull broadcast/linear TV channels as viewers are flocking to streaming services," Paolo Pescatore from PP Foresight said.
"The big TV switch off is around the corner, with all programming set to be delivered via the internet.
"Viewers are now spoilt for choice with how and where they watch the TV shows they love across a range of connected devices.
"To respond, broadcasters need to be prepared and work more closely with telecom providers to ensure a seamless experience for users."
Image credit: Getty
