Home and Away's early years returning to screens as 5 launches brand new channel

A brand new TV channel is being launched in the UK - and it'll bring the very first episodes of Home and Away back to screens. The Aussie soap's first two seasons, which date back to the late 1980s, will be a core part of the programming offered by 5's new offshoot 5Drama when it hits screens next month.

Home and Away debuted in 1988 and introduced viewers to a wealth of now-legendary Summer Bay faces, including Alf Stewart and Sally Fletcher.

Ray Meagher, who plays Alf and is the longest continuing performer in an Australian television role, called news of the early episodes' return "fantastic".

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In a statement, he said: “It’s fantastic to know that Home and Away is continuing to find new audiences in the UK, and now viewers can go right back to the beginning on 5Drama.

"There’s a lot of history in those early episodes — and a lot of memories for Alf and the whole Summer Bay community. I hope fans enjoy taking a trip back to where it all began.”

Emily Symons, who played Marilyn Chambers in 1989, added: “It’s so special to think that UK fans can revisit the very beginning of Home and Away on 5Drama. Marilyn has been such a huge part of my life, and seeing those early episodes again is a wonderful reminder of where her story began.

"I know there are so many Home and Away fans in the UK who have grown up with these characters, so I hope they love going back to Summer Bay and rediscovering some of those early stories."

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5Drama arrives on 21 October and effectively replaces 5Select in 5's offering of channels. It will also boast a range of 5's original drama series, as well as favourites from 5Streaming, and established US and Australian hits.

Reemah Sakaan, President of 5, said: "Award-winning drama is increasingly at the heart of what 5 offers viewers, so it's the right time to give it a dedicated home.

"This, and the expansion of our portfolio across multiple platforms, is about sharpening our channels and giving viewers a clear offer wherever they're watching – on linear, 5Streaming, Freely or YouTube."

5Drama launches on 21 October in the UK. Exact scheduling for Home and Away seasons one and two is yet to be confirmed.

Home and Away drops new episodes on weekdays at 6am on 5’s streaming service with a 6.30pm screening on 5STAR. Selected classic episodes are available via Prime Video in the UK. In Australia, the show airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7pm on Channel 7 and streams on 7Plus.

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