Crime & Safety
Freeview makes 4 changes in new update – see the full list
The latest update features four changes, including the launch of a new channel.
Freeview, on its website, said: “On 22nd April 2026, some broadcasters are making changes to their channels.
“You will need to retune to update your TV and keep your channels, and TV Guide up to date.”
Full list of channel changes in new Freeview update
The channel changes being made as part of the latest Freeview update are:
Channel name change
- That’s TV 3 to That’s 20th Century (channel 71)
- That’s TV 3 MCR to That’s 20th Century MCR (channel 86)
- That’s Classics MCR to That’s Classics (channel 93)
Channel launch
- That’s Entertainment (channel 75)
These latest channel updates are already live.
Freeview added: “Channels continue to evolve on Freeview with individual channel providers making the decision to move, add or remove channels.
“Freeview continues to ensure that audiences can enjoy a rich and varied content offering.”
ITV shuts down channel after 42 years
The latest Freeview update comes just weeks after ITV shut down one of its channels after 42 years on air.
Children’s channel CITV was switched off for good on April 10, having launched in 1980.
The channel was home to hit shows like Art Attack, My Parents Are Aliens, Tots TV, and Fraggle Rock.
CITV first began as Watch IT before being rebranded as Children’s ITV and later shortened to CITV.
In 2006, its late-afternoon slot on ITV1 was axed as it moved to its own channel on Freeview, while still retaining its weekend mornings on ITV channels.
CITV Freeview was later shut down and replaced by the streaming service ITVX Kids Hub on ITVX in 2023, with the weekend showings moving to ITV2.
Now, after 42 years on air, CITV has been shut down, according to Media Central UK.
The media account, posting on X (formerly Twitter), said: “In TV news, the CITV block on ITV2 is officially ending on 10th April. This really means the end of the iconic CITV brand that has been around for 42 years.
“Farewell CITV, this time for real.
“CBBC will have some of CITV’s programming, while the rest will be under ITVX Kids.”
In TV news, the CITV block on ITV2 is officially ending on 10th April. This really means the end of the iconic CITV brand that’s been around for 42 years.
Farewell CITV, this time for real. CBBC will have some of CITV’s programming while the rest will be under ITVX Kids pic.twitter.com/IFlNQx81D7
— Media Central UK (@MCUK_Official) April 3, 2026
How to retune your TV
You will need to retune your TV to gain access to all these new channel updates.
If you are unsure of how to retune your TV, don’t worry, it is quite simple, and usually only requires pressing ‘retune’ when prompted by your TV, according to Freeview.
Retuning may vary on different devices, but in most cases, Freeview said, it can be done by following these steps:
- Press ‘Menu’ on your box or TV remote control.
- Select ‘Set-up’, ‘installation’, ‘update’ or a similar option. If you’re asked for a password, the default code is ‘1234’ or ‘0000’.
- Select ‘First-time installation’ (sometimes called ‘factory reset’, ‘full retune’ or ‘default settings’).
- Press ‘OK’ if your equipment asks if it’s OK to delete existing channels and then your retune should start automatically. If you’re prompted to, save the channels that are found.
Freeview added: “If you’ve already done an automatic retune and this didn’t work, you may need to do a manual retune.”
If you are still unsure, you can watch Freeview’s retune videos for more details (available on the Freeview website).
Have any of these recent updates impacted your TV viewing? Let us know in the comments below.
Crime & Safety
BMW celebrating 25 years of Mini production at Oxford plant
The first new generation model rolled off the production line in Cowley on April 26, 2001 under BMW ownership.
And today, nearly 4.7 million have been made in the city.
The Cowley plant will be host of a Drive It Day this Sunday in celebration of the milestone, and in aid of NSPCC’s Childline Service.
Markus Gruneisl, BMW Group’s chief executive for UK manufacturing, said: “This 25-year milestone is a proud moment for Mini and for everyone involved in its production here in the UK.
“From the very beginning, our plants in Oxford and Swindon have been at the heart of Mini’s global success, combining exceptional craftsmanship with innovation.
READ MORE: Disabled parking spaces in county could be cut under new proposals
Nigel Robinson, group leader in the paint shop and his daughter Charlotte Robinson, specialist product auditor (Image: Richard Dawson/PA Media Assignments)
“Above all, it is our people, their creativity, expertise and pride in what they do, that continue to make Mini so special.”
BMW said the Mini was already “firmly established as a cultural icon” before the relaunch under BMW-ownership in 2001.
The first Mini was launched in 1959 to meet demand for affordable motoring, following a surge in gas prices.
For the first 10 years of its life, the Morris Mini Minor was built in Cowley before moving to Longbridge.
Identical brothers Stuart Molloy (right) and Jamie Molloy, both lead associates in assembly (Image: Richard Dawson/PA Media Assignments)
Mini body parts production started in Swindon at the beginning of 2001, and then on April 26, 2001, Oxford builds its first car.
The Cowley plant had built over 3 million by late 2016 and nearly 4.5 million by early 2024 (including classics and new Minis since 2001).
The car is a film and pop culture favourite, famously featuring in The Italian Job and Mr Bean.
Crime & Safety
Oxfordshire tractor driver arrested for ‘drink driving’
The driver of a large John Deere tractor, which was towing a large agricultural trailer, was arrested in the Vale of White Horse on Wednesday evening.
Thames Valley Police roads policing unit said they stopped the vehicle and breath-tested the driver for intoxication.
READ MORE: Prince William in Oxfordshire today on royal visit
Police say the tractor driver “was found to be more than three times the legal alcohol limit”.
A spokesperson for the force added: “Drink driving isn’t just dangerous in cars – agricultural vehicles can cause devastating harm.
“Don’t drink and drive, any vehicle, any road.”
Earlier in the same evening, Thames Valley Police’s roads policing unit stopped a car in London Road, Oxford, and discovered the driver had no driving licence or insurance, and the car was seized.
Crime & Safety
Smoking to be banned for anyone born after 2008 in the UK
The landmark legislation final draft has been approved by both the Commons and Lords, meaning anyone born after January 1, 2009, will never smoke.
The bill will make it illegal for shops to sell tobacco to those born after 2008 to create a smoke-free generation.
After it gets royal assent, ministers will also get the power to regulate tobacco, vaping and nicotine products.
UK clears smoking bill to create a smoke-free generation
As part of the bill, vaping will be banned in cars where children are present, in playgrounds, outside schools and at hospitals.
However, vaping will still be permitted outside of hospitals to support those trying to quit.
The plan does not affect pub gardens or wider open-air spaces such as beaches and parks.
Smoking and vaping in homes will still be legal.
Once the bill becomes law, the UK will join the Maldives as the second country in the world with a generational smoking ban.
In the UK, there are around 80,000 deaths caused by smoking, which creates an increased risk of health conditions such as strokes, heart disease, asthma and dementia.
Smoking has a large impact on the NHS, costing taxpayers around £3.1 billion a year and more than 75,000 GP appointments each month.
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Discussing the ban, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Wes Streeting, called it a historical moment for the nation’s health.
Sharing: “Prevention is better than cure – this reform will save lives, ease pressure on the NHS, and build a healthier Britain.”
Do you agree with the smoking ban? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
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