In a dramatic broadcasting shakeup that has sent ripples across the UK television landscape, Channel 5 has confirmed a historic change to its scheduling of Home and Away—

one that will see the iconic Australian soap removed entirely from the network’s main channel for the first time in nearly 25 years. The announcement marks a major shift in how the long-running serial

will reach its British audience when it returns in January 2026, setting the stage for a new era in the soap’s UK distribution strategy. For fans who have loyally tuned in since July 2001,

this move represents the most significant update to Home and Away’s UK airing format in decades.

A Landmark Change: Home and Away Leaves Channel 5’s Main Channel

Channel 5 has officially confirmed that starting in January 2026, Home and Away will no longer air on its primary broadcast channel, ending a 24-year tradition that began when the network became the UK home of Summer Bay’s beloved drama.

Instead, the soap will shift exclusively to FiveStar and Channel 5’s digital platforms, as the broadcaster accelerates its transition toward a “streaming-first” model.

For many viewers, the news feels like the end of an era. For others, it signals the start of a digital-focused renaissance. But one thing is certain: the Home and Away UK viewing experience is about to change significantly.

Why the Change Is Happening: The Rise of Streaming

Since March 2025, Channel 5 has been testing a streaming-first release model, premiering new episodes at 6:00 a.m. on its digital service before airing them on FiveStar later that evening. A repeat would then follow the next afternoon at 1:45 p.m. on Channel 5.

But beginning in January 2026, the daytime broadcast on the main channel will disappear entirely.

Channel 5 executives describe the decision as a natural evolution based on viewer behavior, data trends, and a year of unprecedented digital success.
According to the network’s internal figures, Home and Away’s shift to early streaming releases sparked immediate and impressive growth:

• 17% increase in viewing hours in the very first month
• Consistent year-on-year improvement throughout 2025
• A record-setting 23% jump in viewing hours in the most recent reporting cycle

This surge in engagement, Channel 5 says, is proof that modern audiences overwhelmingly prefer to consume the soap via streaming rather than fixed broadcast times.

Commissioning Editor Greg Barnett praised the soap’s digital performance, stating that Home and Away has “thrived on streaming” and that fans “love the flexibility of on-demand.” Barnett added that moving all daytime episodes online was the “next logical step” in aligning the show with current viewer habits.

What the New Schedule Looks Like (January 2026 Onward)

While the main channel is dropping the soap entirely, the evening schedule on FiveStar will remain intact.

Starting January 2026:

• 6:00 a.m. – New episode available on Channel 5’s streaming platform
• 6:00 p.m. – FiveStar airs the previous day’s episode (Episode -1)
• 6:30 p.m. – FiveStar airs the brand-new episode (Episode 0), matching the streaming release

This ensures that fans who prefer traditional TV viewing still have a dedicated time slot to catch their favourite show—just not on Channel 5’s flagship channel.

A Shift with Major Impact: Fans React to the News

The decision has stirred strong reactions across social media. Many longtime viewers, especially those accustomed to the lunchtime broadcast, expressed disappointment at losing the mid-afternoon ritual that has been part of their routine for over two decades. Others, particularly younger fans, praised the increased accessibility and flexibility of digital streaming.

Industry analysts note that this move reflects broader trends: networks are prioritizing digital growth, while linear TV is increasingly reserved for prime-time content with broad, multi-demographic appeal.

But for Home and Away, the transition is a testament to its enduring popularity and its ability to adapt to the changing media landscape.

The Shadow of Neighbours: A Tale of Two Soaps

The announcement comes at a poignant time, as another beloved Australian soap, Neighbours, prepares to air its final episodes in both the UK and Australia.

After being revived by Amazon Studios in 2024 for its Freevee service, Neighbours enjoyed a strong but ultimately limited comeback. Its two-year contract was not renewed, though the series received an additional 60-episode extension, with the final installment set to air on Thursday, December 11.

Many fans have drawn comparisons between the two soaps, wondering whether Home and Away’s migration to digital platforms could foreshadow larger changes down the line. For now, however, Channel 5 insists the soap remains a cornerstone of its schedule—just one that now belongs primarily to its digital ecosystem.

Where Things Stand Today: The Christmas Hiatus and the 2026 Return

As always, Home and Away has gone into its annual UK Christmas hiatus. The last episodes of 2025 aired on:

• FiveStar – Thursday, November 19
• Channel 5 – Friday, November 21

The break has become an expected part of the UK viewing cycle, giving fans a brief pause before the new year’s drama unfolds.

But when the soap returns on Friday, January 2, 2026, fans should prepare for the biggest schedule transformation the series has seen in decades.

The 2026 Premiere Schedule:

• Episode 8,601 drops on streaming at 6:00 a.m.
• FiveStar airs a repeat of Episode 8,600 at 6:00 p.m.
• The UK broadcast premiere of Episode 8,601 follows at 6:30 p.m.

January will also mark the first time that fans will have no Channel 5 broadcast option, effectively pushing the loyal audience toward either FiveStar or digital viewing.

What This Means for the Future of Home and Away

While some viewers fear the move signals the beginning of a slow departure from UK television, insiders believe the opposite: the digital-first release strategy demonstrates Channel 5’s long-term investment in the soap.

By embracing streaming, Home and Away now sits at the center of the network’s digital evolution—a sign that the show remains a vital part of Channel 5’s brand.

Whether this shift opens the door to new interactive features, behind-the-scenes content, platform-exclusive scenes, or earlier international releases remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: Home and Away is not going anywhere. It’s simply moving with the times.

Final Thoughts

January 2026 will mark a turning point for Home and Away fans in the UK. The end of its broadcast run on Channel 5’s main channel may feel bittersweet, but the show’s thriving performance on digital platforms paints a hopeful picture of its future. As Summer Bay prepares to return to screens—both streamed and broadcast—viewers can look forward to a fresh chapter in the show’s evolution.

The tides of television may be shifting, but in the hearts of fans, the spirit of Home and Away remains as strong as ever.