Published last year, BBC’s Annual Plan outlined research that confirmed there remains a broadcast television audience for the channel.

In recent years BBC Three has given the BBC some of its biggest hits, including Killing Eve, Fleabag and last year’s internet-breaking Normal People.

Having recently announced a doubling of investment for BBC Three commissions over the next two years, the BBC says it wants to showcase that content to a wider audience.

The BBC also says it will deliver greater public value by increasing the diversity and creativity of its output, aiming to spend at least two-thirds of the expanded investment for BBC Three outside London and across the UK.

On average, young adults in the UK spend more media time per week with BBC services than any other brand, but the BBC’s research also identified a significant group of younger viewers with a strong linear TV habit that are not tuning into the BBC as much. Using the broadcast channel and BBC iPlayer in tandem, the BBC hopes to attract them.

Charlotte Moore, Chief Content Officer, says: “BBC Three is a BBC success story, backing creativity, new talent and brave ideas has resulted in hit after hit.

“The BBC needs to back success and make sure its programmes reach as many young people as possible wherever they live in the UK.”

BBC Three will return as a channel in January 2022, broadcasting every day from 7pm to 4am.