BBC3 to return as broadcast channel

BBC3 is to return as a broadcast TV channel in 2022, the corporation has announced.

The BBC said it had committed to doubling the investment on BBC3 commissions over the next two years following the success of shows including Normal People and Fleabag.

The TV channel ceased operations in 2016 and was replaced by an onlineonly version available via the iplayer.

BBC3 is expected to start rebroadcasting next year, subject to Ofcom approval.

It comes after the BBC 2020/21 annual plan, published last year, indicated there remains an available audience on broadcast television for BBC3.

Charlotte Moore, chief content officer of the

BBC, said: “BBC3 is a BBC success story, backing creativity, new talent and brave ideas has resulted in hit after hit, from Fleabag and Man Like Mobeen, Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK and Jesy Nelson’s Odd One Out, to Normal People and This Country.

“The BBC needs to back success and make sure its programmes reach as many young people as possible wherever they live in the UK.

“So, regardless of the debates about the past, we want to give BBC3 its own broadcast channel again.”