Channel 5 (UK)

Channel 5 (UK)

Channel 5 is a television network that broadcasts in the United Kingdom. Launched in 1997, it was the fifth and final national terrestrial analogue network to launch (after BBC One, BBC Two, ITV and Channel 4). The station was branded as Five between 2002 and 2011. After Richard Desmond purchased the station from the RTL Group on 23 July 2010, he announced plans to invest more money in programming and return to the name Channel 5 with immediate effect, prior to an official relaunch on 14 February 2011 which was also applied to 5 News.

The new on-screen look for Channel 5 went live on 14 February 2011 with new idents, on-screen DOG and website address. The relaunch has also seen investment in a range of new programming with the debut of the nightly entertainment show, OK! TV. Audience figures for the relaunch were boosted with increased viewing figures for the main 5 News bulletins and improved figures for OK! TV in the 18:30 slot over its predecessor Live from Studio Five.

Channel 5 is a general entertainment channel, with internally commissioned shows such as The Gadget Show and Fifth Gear appearing alongside numerous international programmes such as CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, Home and Away, and Neighbours.

On 18 August 2011, Channel 5 launched a revived version of Big Brother UK, starting with Celebrity Big Brother 8 followed by Big Brother 12. The format has been refreshed and revamped with new hosts and an opulent new look has been given to the house. The first Channel 5 housemates to enter the house included Kerry Katona, Tara Reid and Jedward. The launch show received 5.3 million viewers, giving the channel its highest-ever audience for an entertainment show.

Big Brother narrator Marcus Bentley is one of the announcers on the channel, combining roles he previously held on Channel 4.