Channel 4 schedule changes confirmed including special Queen programming
The schedule will now include a three-hour news special this evening to mark Her Majesty's passing.
Channel 4 has confirmed changes to its schedule today in response to the news that Queen Elizabeth II has died aged 96.
News of Her Majesty's passing was announced yesterday (Thursday 8th September), with multiple channels changing their scheduling out of respect and airing special news programming.
On Channel 4 today, the schedule will include George Clarke's National Trust Unlocked from 11:10am to midday, followed by a Channel 4 News Special until 1pm. This will be followed by Steph's Packed Lunch in a new time-slot until 2:10pm, when Countdown will air as normal.
At 2:50pm there will be a double episode of A Place in the Sun which will air until 4:20pm. Chateau DIY will then air until 5:10pm, followed by Devon and Cornwall, and then another Channel 4 News Special will air at 5:55pm.
At 8:15pm George Clarke's Old House, New Home will air, followed by a 45-minute edition of Gogglebox at 9pm. A First Dates double will air at 9:45pm in another change to the schedule, while films Brassed Off and Hampstead will close out the night at 11:25pm and 1:10am respectively.
Presenter Adam Hills noted on Twitter that he and the team behind The Last Leg, which will not air as usual today, had "decided not to do an episode" tonight, saying that "it just doesn't feel right".
Hills added that the programme would "pay tribute to Her Majesty next week but for now our thoughts are with her family, and all those affected by the news. We hope you understand."
Read more:
- Queen Elizabeth II, 1926-2022: How her screen appearances guided a nation
- Queen Elizabeth II, 1926-2022 – her Radio Times covers across the decades
- The world of entertainment pays tribute to Queen Elizabeth II
Following the news of the Queen's passing, the BBC and ITV also announced a number of changes to their scheduled programming, with the latter's now including documentaries commemorating the Queen's life, including The Longest Reign with Jonathan Dimbleby and The Young Elizabeth.
The Queen was the UK’s longest-reigning monarch, having been on the throne for 70 years at the time of her death and marking her Platinum Jubilee earlier this year.
During her reign and as Head of the Commonwealth, she oversaw multiple major national and global events. She also greeted 15 Prime Ministers throughout her time on the throne, from Sir Winston Churchill to Liz Truss.
The Queen appointed Truss to the role earlier this week on Tuesday 6th September at Balmoral Castle.
Read more:
- Emmerdale and Coronation Street cancelled tonight following Queen's death
- BBC Proms cancels tonight and Last Night of the Proms
- Sport cancelled following Queen Elizabeth II's death
For the latest scheduling information, visit our TV Guide.
Authors
James Hibbs is a Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering programmes across both streaming platforms and linear channels. He previously worked in PR, first for a B2B agency and subsequently for international TV production company Fremantle. He possesses a BA in English and Theatre Studies and an NCTJ Level 5 Diploma in Journalism.