Millions of telly fans receive free bonus TV channel next week – but some will absolutely hate it

YOU may notice a different channel on your TV next week – but it might not be a welcome arrival.

The channel is returning to Freeview, Freesat, Virgin Media and Sky from September 7.

Watch Christmas movies in SeptemberGetty Images – Getty

And the channel is devoted to everything Christmas – four months before the big day.

Or, 116 days before Christmas Day to be exact.

The channel in question is GREAT! Christmas, which makes its festive comeback every year.

According to RXTVInfo, it’s back earlier than ever – albeit by one day.

It’ll take over the spot filled by GREAT! Romance.

That’s on number 52 for Freeview, 319 on Sky, 424 on Virgin and 303 for Freesat.

And because of some technical changes on Freeview more households than ever will be able to tune in.

GREAT! Christmas is expected to run until early January.

It comes after a bumper 2022, which saw the channel reach 5million people.

“After a record-breaking year in 2022, GREAT! christmas will now be available nationally so that even more of the UK can enjoy the seasonal spirit!” said Steve Hornsey, Narrative Entertainment’s VP, Movies & Entertainment.

“The channel is full of fun, light-hearted films with a touch of tinsel that really resonate with audiences who are looking for upbeat content and lovely Christmas stories.” 

While GREAT! Romance will disappear for a bit, GREAT!’s other channels will still be available.

These include GREAT! movies, GREAT! action and GREAT! tv.