BBC Three stars in line to get the rewards they deserve

UP-AND-COMING comics are set to get a multi-million pound boost if Bbcthree makes its expected return to terrestrialtv.

The corporation has said that the channel, which was made onlineonly in 2016 to save costs, could return in “linear” form.

A spokesman said: “We’d be wrong not to back a service that is doing better than anyone could have ever conceived.”

Around £40million of licence fee money is expected to flow to the channel over the next two years after the success of its shows. The channel has been behind dramas including Normal People, but has enjoyed particular success in the comedy arena.

Fleabag began life there before moving to BBC One, making a worldwide star of its creator Phoebe Waller-bridge, right.

She went on to create Killing Eve. The third season of that concludes tonight. Other successes include Peoplewho Just Do Nothing and Man Like Mobeen. Now up-andcoming comedy shows are set to benefit from bigger budgets.

A source said: “Comedies aimed at ‘yoof’ will benefit. It’s great news for comedies – the likes of Ladhood, Ellie

And Natasha and Lazy Susan will get in front of more viewers.

“It’s [Bbcthree] getting more money as it’s been pumping out hits, from Fleabag to Normal People. A lot of this is down to boss Fiona Campbell who is a bit of a legend and is obviously doing a top job.”

Meanwhile, it has emerged that BBC comedy fans are getting their laughs online rather than on broadcast channels.

Fleabag series two was watched by 21 million viewers on the corporation’s iplayer last year.