Surprise Freeview update launches tomorrow - your TV gets new content for free

If you own a Freeview TV there's good news coming this week. It's been confirmed that surprise change is taking place tomorrow, September 4 with the return of a festival channel.

Yes, the summer might only just have ended but homes can already start getting ready for winter by tuning in to GREAT! Christmas. This channel, which will replace GREAT! Romance for the next few months will feature movies and other shows with a festive theme.

Along with being broadcast on Freeview, the new service is also coming to Sky and Virgin Media. See all the channels numbers below.

Freeview - channel 52 • Sky - channel 319 • Virgin Media - channel 424

Mirror Online has had a quick look at the upcoming listings for GREAT! Christmas and there are plenty of festive treats on there way including movies such as Road to Christmas, Love You Like Christmas and Deck the Heart.

Speaking about the update, Steve Hornsey, Narrative Entertainment’s Vice President of Movies and Entertainment, said: “Forget the naysayers, everybody loves Christmas – and the earlier it starts, the better. Our research suggests millions of Brits can’t wait to get into the festive spirit early, and GREAT! Christmas is the perfect place for them. Last year GREAT! Christmas was once again Britain’s favourite seasonal channel. Now it’s back for everyone who wants to escape into that warm, feel-good world of Christmas romance and family joy.”

Once the channel launches, you may have to retune your Freeview TV, but check first and hopefully the GREAT! Christmas will automatically appear on the planner.

It goes live from this Thursday, September 4.