Disney+ viewers risk £1,000 BBC TV Licence fine amid new deal
Usually, if you are watching streaming services like Netflix, Disney+ or Amazon Prime you do not require a TV licence.
However, household in the UK is legally required to have a TV licence if they watch or record live TV, regardless of what channel it is on.
Disney+ viewers risk £1,000 fine for watching live content
Disney+ announced last month it had won the broadcasting rights to the UEFA Women's Champions League until 2030.
This new deal will allow fans to watch every match live "at no extra cost".
Powerful, fearless, determined and unstoppable 🏆
The UEFA Women's Champions League is coming to Disney+ #UWCL || @DisneyPlusUK pic.twitter.com/VIzmegwKsb
— UEFA Women's Champions League (@UWCL) May 23, 2025
However, those hoping to watch the UEFA Women's Champions League on Disney+ will need to be careful of TV Licensing rules.
The BBC confirmed to Cord Busters last year that viewers will need to purchase a TV Licence if they are to watch live events on streaming platforms.
If viewers are caught watching live content without a TV licence, they could be fined up to £1,000.
The majority of Disney+ content remains exempt from the TV Licence fee, as long as it is not being broadcast live.
These are the occasions when you do not need a TV Licence.
Do I need a TV Licence?
You do not need a TV Licence to watch:
Streaming services like Netflix and Disney+
On-demand TV through services like All 4 and Amazon Prime Video
Videos on websites like YouTube
Videos or DVDs
You do need a TV Licence if you:
Watch or record live TV on any channel or service
Use BBC iPlayer
TV Licence explained
Are you eligible for a free TV Licence?
For those aged 75 or over who are in receipt of Pension Credit, the TV Licence can be obtained for free rather than costing £174.50.
Guidance provided by TV Licensing says: 'Free TV Licences are only available if you're 75 or over and you, or your partner living at the same address, are receiving Pension Credit.
'If you think you're eligible for a free licence but can't apply online, please call 0300 790 6117* and speak to one of our advisors to request an application form (our lines are open between 8.30am and 6.30pm, from Monday to Friday).
'Once we've received your application it may take a few weeks to process. If there are any problems we'll write to let you know. We may also call you if you have given us your phone number.
'There are separate arrangements in place for over 75s on the Isle of Man, the Bailiwick of Jersey and the Bailiwick of Guernsey.'
@uktoday_ You could be eligible for a TV Licence refund. Find out how. 📺 #uknews #tvlicence #tvlicencefee #uknewsheadlines ♬ original sound - UKToday 🇬🇧 Newsquest
How to get a refund on your TV Licence
Even if you do not meet the eligibility criteria for a free TV Licence you may be able to get some money back on yours, so long as it is no longer needed.
If you have already purchased a TV licence but do not watch or record live TV, or stream BBC iPlayer, you could be entitled to a refund worth £174.50.
Households across the UK can apply for a refund if you won't need your licence again before it expires, and you have at least one complete month left, or the licence fee for you expired less than two years ago.
You can apply for a refund on the TV Licensing website (a link to which can be found above).
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
30 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Adam Sandler's Happy Gilmore 2 release date as Netflix drops sequel 30 years in the making
Happy Gilmore 2 is releasing on Netflix soon after fans of the original Adam Sandler comedy have been waiting nearly three decades for the sequel Happy Gilmore 2, the eagerly awaited new comedy film of the year, is set to release after nearly three decades since the original. The sequel to the popular 1996 comedy brings back the unconventional golfer Happy, who comes out of retirement to fund his daughter Vienna's (portrayed by Sunny Sandler) ballet school. The film sees the return of the original cast, including Julie Bowen, Christopher McDonald and Ben Stiller, and is predicted to draw in millions of viewers upon its release. Newcomers Benny Safdie and Bad Bunny join the cast, along with a thrilling array of cameos and guest appearances from Travis Kelce, Margaret Qualley, Eminem and several professional golfers. With the much-anticipated sequel just around the corner, let's delve into what we know about the release date of Happy Gilmore 2, reports the Express. When will Happy Gilmore 2 be released? Unlike the original film, the Netflix Original sequel is following the trend of Sandler's other streaming comedies and skipping a cinema release. This means that fans globally can watch the film at their leisure from this Friday, as long as they have a Netflix subscription. The exact time the film will be available depends on your timezone, as the streaming service releases new content simultaneously in every region. Films and TV series typically make their debut just after midnight in the Pacific Time Zone in the US, given that Netflix's headquarters are located in California. For those residing on the east coast States, the film will be available from 3am Eastern Time. Watch Stranger Things on Netflix for free with Sky This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more from £15 Sky Get the deal here Product Description Meanwhile, UK viewers can start streaming the film as early as 8am on Friday morning. This means Happy Gilmore 2 will be ready and waiting for most subscribers worldwide as soon as they flick on their telly screens on Friday morning. The Friday release makes the sequel an ideal choice for viewers looking for a good laugh this weekend. Furthermore, since Happy Gilmore 2 is a Netflix Original, it won't be disappearing from the platform anytime soon, so fans have unlimited time to enjoy this comedy romp again and again. Happy Gilmore 2 will be released on Friday, 25th July on Netflix.
Daily Mirror
30 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Netflix's The Resident stars 'heartbroken' as tributes pour in for Malcolm-Jamal Warner
The Resident stars are mourning Malcolm-Jamal Warner following his tragic death at age 54. Malcolm-Jamal Warner, best known for his roles as Theo Huxtable in The Cosby Show and AJ Austin in The Resident, has died at the age of 54. The actor tragically drowned on Sunday near Cocles, a beach in Limon, Costa Rica, as confirmed by Costa Rican National Police. Following Warner's sad death, which police say was caused by asphyxia as a result of accidental drowning, his The Resident co-stars have been paying tribute to the beloved actor. The Resident originally ran on Fox between 2018 and 2023, before gaining a new international following on Netflix when it was released on the platform last year. Several of the show's biggest stars, who shared many scenes with Warner, have shared heartfelt statements about the late actor. Legendary surgeon AJ Austin first appeared on the show in season 1, joining the main cast in season 2 and staying until the show ended with season 6. Emily VanCamp, who played Nic Nevin in the medical drama, took to Instagram to share a black and white picture of them both together. She captioned the photo: 'I'm not sure I have the words to express what a gift it was to know you and to work with you. Your thunderous laugh, the bear hugs, our chats about love, family and life. 'A true family man with so much integrity and an endlessly generous spirit. You walked the walk my friend. Sending all my love to your beautiful family and all of those who knew you and were close to you. Beyond heartbroken.' Shaunette Renée Wilson, whose character Dr. Mina Okafor had a close relationship with Warner's character AJ during the show's run, also took to Instagram to share a still of them both in their medical uniforms. She wrote: 'Last week I had the impulse to text you for one of our lengthy heart check-ins. I truly wish I had so that one of the last words I had of you were of your wisdom, kindness, and that uncanny ability you had to be both unserious and profound within a single sentence. 'I'm beyond heartbroken. You were such a dear friend to me. My heart goes out to the family and loved ones he leaves behind. I cannot conceive the amount of grief with such a tragedy. 'Rest in Power, Malcolm. It was a joy to be Mina to your AJ. I will miss you deeply.' Meanwhile, Devon Pravesh actor Manish Dayal shared a video of Warner speaking to a crowd about his experience of growing up in the spotlight. He captioned it with a heartbroken emoji and added: 'Bro, I wish I had the words… You always did.' Barrett Cain actor Morris Chestnut also shared a touching tribute to the late star, including pictures and a video of their scenes together. He penned: 'Heartbroken to hear about the passing of Malcolm-Jamal Warner. Working alongside him on The Resident was an honor. 'He brought so much depth, warmth, and wisdom to every scene and every conversation. One of the nicest in the business. Rest easy, brother. Your legacy lives on.'
The Sun
30 minutes ago
- The Sun
Harry & Meg's £78m Netflix deal is DEAD after As Ever flop – bosses are just waiting for credits to roll, insider slams
PRINCE Harry and Meghan's £78million Netflix deal is dead after As Ever flopped, an insider has slammed. Meghan's lifestyle series failed to break into Netflix's top 300 programmes in the first half of this year - even being beaten by her old show Suits. 5 5 5 The With Love, Meghan viewing figures have reportedly been "dismal". Harry's documentary Polo did even worse, ranked at a 3,436 out of 7,000 shows and was only watched by 500,000 people in six months. Speaking to the Mail, an insider blasted: "This deal is dead. She had everything going for her—name, platform, press—and the numbers were dismal. "They're just waiting for the credits to roll. They're letting it expire without drama. There's no appetite for anything new." The couple's deal with the streaming giant expires this year. The Duchess of Sussex claimed that a second season of her lifestyle show is in the works - but the insider's comments have cast doubt on its future. The duchess posted on Instagram saying she's "thrilled" with the decision for a second season. Wearing a Netflix cap she was seen grinning in a short clip on her stories, with the caption: "Lettuce romaine calm... or not(!) because I'm thrilled to share that Season 2 of 'With Love, Meghan' is coming!" Meghan's eight-part show saw her bee-keeping, making homemade candles and cooking with celeb pals, including Mindy Kaling and make-up artist Daniel Martin. Sussex's £100million deal may not be renewed by Netflix – despite Meghan's show getting 2nd series By Rod McPhee THE Duke and Duchess of Sussex's £100million deal to make shows with Netflix may not be renewed — despite Meghan's lifestyle show getting a second series. Reports suggest the follow- up season to With Love, Meghan, which will air this year, was filmed back-to-back with the first and was part of the initial contract. Sources say the sequel is no indication Netflix will want another major deal with Prince Harry and his wife. A TV insider said: 'Netflix have been broadly pleased with the show and don't care if the reviews are scathing. 'The streamer's name has been on everyone's lips for the past week and that's a victory for them. 'But it's now a question of whether they feel that striking another deal represents value for money, or if they feel that they have explored all the opportunities they can with the couple.' With Love, Meghan was generally derided when it was released last week, but within three days, Netflix confirmed the second series. Netflix and Archewell, the production company that makes the couple's shows, declined to comment on the contract renewal. With Love, Meghan was released to tie in with the launch of the Duchess of Sussex's As Ever brand. However both her Netflix series and her brand have been slammed by royal experts time and time again. Speaking on The Sun's Royal Exclusive show, broadcaster Esther Krakue questioned the point of the eight-part With Love, Meghan, which saw the duchess hosting celeb pals such as Mindy Kaling and Abigail Spencer. The Netflix series saw Meghan making guest baskets, beeswax candles, and a single skillet spaghetti, filmed at a farmhouse near her £12million Montecito mansion. Esther shared: 'There's nothing there. 'She's very, like - I'm not saying this to be horrible - she is not an entertainer or an entertaining person." After signing on the Sussexes in a deal reportedly worth £78million over five years, Netflix has so far created a Harry & Meghan documentary, Invictus and Polo. Despite any criticism, Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos is said to be in full support of the Duchess of Sussex. The second series of With Love, Meghan — with no Harry or their children Archie, six, and Lilibet, three — has already been filmed and is due to be screened in the autumn. Meghan re-launched her As Ever brand this summer. The Duchess of Sussex, 43, has added Rosé wine to her range of As ever products - which is her first alcoholic beverage. The 2023 pink booze from Napa Valley, California, will be sold via her As ever website from July 1. It has been announced alongside two new spreads now available including a Limited-Edition Orange Blossom Honey for $28 (£20). And she has also restocked six of the original products including $15 flower sprinkles. But there is no new raspberry spread available after Meg admitted she may never restock the infamous jam spread. The brand has been dogged by controversy, after the mayor of a small Majorcan town accused Meg of 'plagiarism' over similarities between her logo and their 14th century coat of arms. And one of Meghan 's favourite publications have slammed her fruity creation. The Cut slated the spread, which could be a huge blow to Meghan as she gave one of her first interviews to them after stepping down as a senior royal back in 2020. In the article, the publication got 12 staff members to give the jam a taste for themselves - and it got a very mixed response. "I wouldn't pay $14 for this. Its consistency is a little too thin for my taste - you really wouldn't be able to spread it on toast," features editor Catherine Thompson said. And features writer Emily Gould agreed the texture was it's downfall, she said: "I was put off by the texture. It's slimy and viscous, a bit like baby food. Generously, raspberry purée." Meanwhile, The Cut's senior writer EJ Dickson didn't mince their words after tasting the spread. They said: "It sucks! It's like something you'd see at the toppings bar at Pinkberry, not a functional, standalone jam in itself. "I would argue that not only Bonne Maman is far superior but also Smuckers. Very disappointing. I figured she'd be better at making jam than producing podcast content, but no." 5 5
