when does home and away return in 2026 uk

Home and Away is set to return to UK screens on Friday 2 January 2026, with episodes available to stream from 6am and an evening double bill airing on 5STAR.

Quick Scoop

Fans in the UK will see Home and Away come back from its Christmas break on Friday 2 January 2026. The first new episode of the year is scheduled to be available to stream early in the morning, giving daytime viewers on‑demand access instead of the old Channel 5 afternoon slot.

UK air dates and times

• Return date: Friday 2 January 2026 for UK viewers.

• Streaming: The new episode is expected to drop from around 6am on Channel 5’s streaming platform.

• Evening TV: An evening double bill remains on 5STAR, with the newest episode in the early evening and a repeat of the previous episode before it.

Schedule changes in 2026

Channel 5 is shifting Home and Away away from its traditional daytime slot on the main channel, focusing instead on stream‑first viewing and 5STAR broadcasts. Daytime episodes are moving exclusively to streaming, reflecting the growing number of fans who now watch via on‑demand services rather than live afternoon TV.

Forum and fan chatter

Discussion threads note that while some long‑time viewers are disappointed to lose the daytime airing on Channel 5, many are happy they can watch earlier in the day on streaming. Others see the continued 5STAR double bill as reassurance that the soap still has a solid place in the UK schedule, even with the platform shift.

Quick FAQ

• When does Home and Away return in 2026 UK?
  Friday 2 January 2026.

• Will it still be on Channel 5 daytime?
  No, daytime viewing is moving to streaming rather than the old 1.45pm Channel 5 slot.

• Where can I watch on TV?
  The evening episodes will continue on 5STAR, with a new episode and a repeat each night.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.