Home and Away confirms when classic episodes will launch on Channel 5's new station

Channel 5 has revealed when it'll be showing classic Home and Away episodes on its brand-new channel. 5Drama made its debut in lieu of 5Select last month (21 October), with an array of exciting series, including The Hardacres, All Creatures Great and Small and The Madame Blanc Mysteries.

Now, viewers will be able to take a trip down memory lane as the channel will be airing Home and Away's first two seasons, including the very first episode, from 16 November.

Both 5Drama and 5Streaming will be showing classic episodes in double bills from Monday to Friday from 12pm, followed by a catch-up stack over the weekend.

Related: Best streaming services

But that's not all, as 30 episodes will be available to stream over on 5Streaming from launch, followed by weekly drops of 10 episodes over the coming weeks.

The series first began in 1988 and introduced audiences to Summer Bay and its residents, eventually cementing itself as a household name in Australian soap television. Even some famous actors got their start on Home and Away, including Chris Hemsworth, Isla Fisher and Naomi Watts.

Ray Meagher (who has played Alf Stewart since 1988) and Emily Symons (who portrays Marilyn Chambers) both expressed their delight at the re-runs, as Stewart said there is tons of history for fans to look back on.

"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," he continued.

Related: Home and Away's Alf Stewart to mourn for Roo in devastating scenes

"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."

For Symons, the show has a very special place in her heart. "It’s so special to think that UK fans can revisit the very beginning of Home and Away on 5Drama," she said. "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."

Home and Away seasons one to two will be available to watch on 5Drama and 5Streaming on 16 November.

Home and Away drops new episodes on weekdays at 6am on 5’s streaming service with a 6.30pm screening on 5STAR.

In Australia, the show airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7pm on Channel 7 and streams on 7Plus.

Visit our Streaming Guide now to see at a glance where you can view ALL your favourite shows and movies.

The new edition of Legends, a 100-page celebration of the world of K-pop, is here. Buy K-Pop in newsagents or online.