The channel is currently part of pay-TV packs from Virgin Media, BT, TalkTalk and Sky but from 1 March Freeview and YouView homes will be able to watch its selection of makeover and cookery shows without subscription.
Home launched in 2009 when it replaced UKTV Style and its line-up includes hit shows such as My Flat-Pack Home featuring Amanda Lamb, My Dream Derelict Home, Escape to the Country, A Place in the Sun: Home Or Away, Nick Knowles’ Original Features, Make My Home Bigger and Kitchen SOS featuring Nadia Sawalha.
Its move to FTA will place it alongside UKTV’s existing five subscription-free channels, Dave, Dave Ja Vu, Drama, Really and Yesterday.
The channel will occupy EPG slot 25, currently occupied by Dave Ja Vu, from 1 March with Dave Ja Vu’s new channel number due to be announced “in the coming days.”
Emma Ayech, general manager, Home, said, “Moving Home in to free-to-air households gives a greater reach to our channel, offering more viewers the opportunity to watch our great roster of much-loved shows fronted by big name talent.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming new audiences to our Home.”
Most viewers will find that their TV has automatically retuned to reflect the new channel positions for Home and Dave Ja Vu. However, those with older sets may need to carry-out a manual retune.
As a result of today’s announcement Home will leave BT and TalkTalk’s bundles of pay channels.
