Sky says 'sorry' as it turns off one of your premium TV channels for good

If you head to your Sky box today and find a channel has suddenly gone missing, don't panic. It's been confirmed that all users of Sky's devices - including Sky Glass, Sky Stream and Sky Q - have just lost access to the Sky Replay channel from today, October 30. This popular platform has been showing content since 2002 and originally launched under the name Sky One Mix.

It was then rebranded as Replay in 2020 and has acted as a sister channel to Sky Max and Sky Witness, showing repeats of comedy and drama series that have already aired.

Programmes available included Bondi Rescue, Highway Patrol, Paramedics, Freddie Down Under and 911 Crisis Centre.

"Replay and enjoy your favourite shows on Sky Replay, a handpicked selection of comedy and drama," Sky's website explained.

Now, when you tap channel 160 on your remote, you'll be met with a message that reads.

"We're sorry Sky Replay is no longer on air. You can still find your favourite shows on Sky."

It's unclear why Sky Replay has been sent to history books, but it could simply be that users now access these repeats via online and catch-up services.

By shutting down the channel, Sky could free up space for something new instead.

News of this shutdown comes as Freeview has just added two new services to its platform.

Firstly, there's wedotv Movies UK, which moves from being an online-only service to a full over-the-air channel. That means all homes can now tune in even if they haven't got an internet-connected telly. This service shows back-to-back films with recent blockbusters, including One-Eyed Jacks, Willow Creek and The Way.

Next, there's that channel for younger members of the family. It's called Cartoon Classics and can be found on channel 214.

As the name suggests, the service offers classic animated programmes such as The Smurfs, Count Duckula, Sonic X, and Leo & Tig.

If that duo of channels sounds like something you fancy on your TV, then it's a good idea to head to the settings and make sure things are fully updated.