Freeview confirms some UK users face popular TV channel block - are you affected?

Freeview users may suddenly find they lose access to a popular telly channel this month. It's just been confirmed that a trio of changes are taking place to the TV guide and those without an internet-conneted device will be blocked from watching a service that's been available via an aerial for a number of years. The update is due to the GREAT! platform moving things around.

This update means that GREAT! Movies switches from its current spot on channel 50 and changes to channel 61. That's bad news if you don't have a connected set-top box or smart TV.

As Freeview explains: "Viewers will require an internet connected device to view GREAT! Movies on channel 61 between the hours of 5am & 3am."

So what's replacing GREAT! Movies on the standard channel 50.

That spot is being given to GREAT! Mastery which is showing crime content such as Murder, She Wrote and the Ruth Rendell Mysteries. There are also movies such as Killer Dearest, Deadly Switch and Dangerous Company with the channel broadcasting day and night.

That's not all. The final change is bringing some festive cheer to homes.

GREAT! Romance on channel 52 is being replaced by GREAT! Christmas until the start of 2026. As the name suggests, this service will show endless content aimed at getting us all ready for the party season ahead.

"On 4th September 2025, some broadcasters are making changes to their channels," Freeview added. 

"You will need to retune to update your TV and keep your channels and TV Guide up to date."

You can find out how to update your TV here.

Speaking about the launch of GREAT! Christmas, Steve Hornsey, Narrative Entertainment’s Vice President of Movies and Entertainment, commented: “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.”