
Virgin Media gives customers access to 14 free channels
These South Asian channels will be accessible from July 18 until August 17.
The TV channels included are part of Virgin Media's Asian Mela bundle, which normally costs £12 per month.
Celebrate South Asian Heritage Month with premium entertainment – on us 🎊
From 18 July to 17 August, we're giving all Virgin TV customers access to 14 premium Asian Mela channels at no extra cost – to help customers celebrate #SouthAsianHeritageMonth.
We're proud to help our… pic.twitter.com/nwIAS9l7yz — Virgin Media O2 News (@VMO2News) July 18, 2025
The offer gives customers access to thousands of hours of premium South Asian entertainment.
Full list of free channels available to Virgin Media customers
A full list of Asian Mela TV channels available to all customers for no extra cost until August 17 is:
Channel 801: Utsav Gold HD
802: Utsav Bharat
803: Utsav Plus HD
805: Sony TV HD
806: Sony MAX HD
808: Sony MAX 2
809: Zee TV HD
810: Zee Cinema HD
811: Zee Punjabi HD
815: B4U Movies
825: Colors Gujarati
826: Colors HD
827: Colors Rishtey
828: Colors Cineplex
Chief TV & Entertainment Officer at Virgin Media O2, David Bouchier, said: "We want to celebrate South Asian Heritage Month the best way we know how – by giving Virgin TV customers access to world-leading South Asian entertainment to enjoy at no extra cost.
"It's an incredibly important time for families and friends to come together and celebrate the living legacy of South Asian Heritage, we hope there's something for everything to enjoy across the 14 premium Asian Mela channels.'
TV shows that defined our childhood
BBC iPlayer to stop working on select Virgin Media TV boxes
Meanwhile, BBC iPlayer will stop working on select Virgin Media TV boxes across the UK on Wednesday (July 23).
Virgin Media has warned customers using older TiVo boxes to upgrade, as these older models will not support BBC iPlayer from July.
The change is only expected to impact a small number of customers, with a "vast majority" already owning newer models, including V6 and TV 360, which will be unaffected.
RECOMMENDED READING:
Virgin Media has offered a free upgrade to a select group of customers who still use a TiVo box.
A Virgin Media spokesperson said: 'We have written directly to the small proportion of customers with a TiVo box, who have used BBC iPlayer within the past six months, to inform them that their box will not support iPlayer from 23 July.
"As we have previously communicated directly to relevant customers, anyone with a TiVo box is able to upgrade to a new Virgin TV 360 box at no extra cost.'
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Metro
4 hours ago
- Metro
Classic film considered 'coolest of all time' is now streaming for free
Fans who are lovers of the best classic movies are in for a treat as a film considered one of the coolest ever made is now streaming for free. Starring iconic Hollywood actors Paul Newman and Robert Redford, 1969 flick Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid is currently available to watch at no cost on BBC iPlayer. The top-grossing film of its year, the Western buddy movie went on to be nominated for seven Oscars, including best picture and director, winning four. There is literally a Reddit thread titled 'Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid – coolest film ever?' where fans discussed its appeal, so don't take it just from me. Helmed by George Roy Hill (who also directed Newman and Redford in 1973's The Sting) and written by Academy Award winner William Goldman, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid follows the titular members of the outlaw Hole-in-the-Wall gang in 1899 Wyoming. They flee to Bolivia after a train robbery gone wrong with Sundance (Redford)'s lover Etta Place (Katharine Ross), attempting to go straight for the first time after struggling to rob banks in Spanish – but a posse is in hot pursuit. 'It's a classic, and I don't use that term lightly,' shared John W in an audience review on Rotten Tomatoes, while Jamie X posted: 'A beautiful film in every way. The cinematography, characters, story and soundtrack, are all on another level. I simply can't recommend enough.' 'This western movie had it all. Fast action, comedy, whimsical, intense [sic.] intrigue and fast gun play with two of the most dynamic male actors of their time,' added Edward B. Redford, 88, largely retired from acting in 2018, having also appeared in the likes of The Great Gatsby, All the President's Men and Out of Africa, as well as a stint in Marvel Cinematic Universe as Alexander Pierce. He was nominated for best actor and best director twice each at the Academy Awards, winning for his filmmaking in 1980 for Ordinary People, his directorial debut. Newman died in September 2008 aged 83 after a career that saw him nominated for 10 acting Oscars, winning best actor for The Colour of Money in 1987. He also starred in movies including Cool Hand Luke, The Hustler, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof and Road to Perdition. 'Everything I wanted in a movie is here,' enthused another fan, while Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid was also praised as 'the ultimate buddy movie' and a 'classic Western that I just never get tired of watching'. 'Redford and Newman at it again. If you don't love Butch and Sundance, then you don't love cinema,' insisted another lover of the movie. Many cinema fans have intense nostalgia around the film as well, remembering first watching it upon its release decades ago. 'One of the best, a film from my childhood I've had the pleasure of discovering again as an adult,' shared Robin Sattahip on Google, while Ray Moore shared: 'I watched this wonderful movie the week it was released and fell in Love with K. Ross as well with R.R. and Paul whom [sic.] I was already a fan. I have seen it so many times.' Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid appears in multiple AFI lists, including ranking 73rd in the institute's 10th anniversary edition of their 100 Years… 100 Movies list of greatest American films. More Trending Based on real-life figures in the Old West, the film is famous too for its anachronistic use of the very 1960s Burt Bacharach and Hal David song Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head. It's also preserved by the Library of Congress in the United States National Film Registry by for its 'culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant' status. Other stone-cold classic films currently available to watch on iPlayer include The Shining, Don't Look Now and John Wayne classic Western The Searchers. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid is streaming for free in the UK on BBC iPlayer now. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: BBC denies editing Irish verse out of CMAT song after backlash MORE: Danny Dyer wants to play Doctor Who – here's why we should let him MORE: The Celebrity Traitors 'confirmed' cast salaries make me feel incredibly uneasy


Daily Record
8 hours ago
- Daily Record
New BBC MasterChef series with Gregg Wallace and John Torode will air on TV next month
The series was filmed before allegations against both BBC hosts were made. Greg Wallace and John Torode will appear in one last series of MasterChef which will air on the BBC. The series, which was filmed last year before allegations against Gregg Wallace and John Torode were upheld, will be available from August 6, the corporation has said. A spokesperson for the BBC said the decision was made "after careful consideration" and said it "no way diminishes our view of the seriousness of the upheld findings against both presenters". 'After careful consideration and consultation with the contestants, we have decided to broadcast the amateur series of MasterChef on BBC One and BBC iPlayer from 6 August," a spokesperson said. "MasterChef is an amazing competition which is life-changing for the amateur chefs taking part. The focus of it has always been their skill and their journey. 'This has not been an easy decision in the circumstances and we appreciate not everyone will agree with it. In showing the series, which was filmed last year, it in no way diminishes our view of the seriousness of the upheld findings against both presenters. "We have been very clear on the standards of behaviour that we expect of those who work at the BBC or on shows made for the BBC. 'However, we believe that broadcasting this series is the right thing to do for these cooks who have given so much to the process. We want them to be properly recognised and give the audience the choice to watch the series. 'At this stage we have not taken a decision on the celebrity series and Christmas special, which was filmed earlier this year, and we will confirm our plans later in the year. 'Most importantly MasterChef is a brilliant, much-loved programme which is bigger than any one individual. There are many talented, dedicated and hard-working people who make the show what it is. It will continue to flourish on the BBC and we look forward to it returning stronger than ever in the future.' BBC and Banijay UK want to air the final two series featuring the two hosts "when the dust settles". Wallace's role on MasterChef became "untenable" after 45 out of 83 allegations of inappropriate behaviour were upheld following a seven-month investigation. Torode was later cut from the show after he confirmed he was the person alleged to have used racist language. John said he had no memory of making the comment.


Metro
8 hours ago
- Metro
The Celebrity Traitors 'confirmed' cast salaries make me feel incredibly uneasy
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video When the cast of the first-ever celebrity edition of Claudia Winkleman's cloak and dagger reality series, The Traitors, was announced in May, no one could quite believe what they were reading. Months later, I'll still be going about my day and remember Sir Stephen Fry, Jonathan Ross, Charlotte Church, and Clare Balding will be gallivanting around a Scottish castle together and I'm thankful I'm alive to see it. The full line-up is astonishing, an incredible feat for Studio Lambert, which is the production company behind the show, which is currently at the top of its game. They also do Race Across The World, arguably the second-biggest reality TV series in the UK right now. In theory, I always imagined there would be a stream of A-list talent queuing up to take part in the first ever Celebrity Traitors. But still, it felt like a miracle they managed to pull off what must be the best line-up in celebrity reality television history. Now that miracle seems even more unreal. We don't have a fixed release date yet, but Celebrity Traitors is coming to BBC One and BBC iPlayer this autumn. We'll update you when we know more! Comedian Alan Carr Singer and songwriter Cat Burns Actor Celia Imrie Singer Charlotte Church Broadcaster Clare Balding Historian David Olusoga Former England rugby player Joe Marler Comedian Joe Wilkinson Presenter Jonathan Ross Good Morning Britain presenter Kate Garraway Comedian Lucy Beaumont Actor Mark Bonnar Actor and comedian Nick Mohammed Content creator Niko Omilana Singer and songwriter Paloma Faith Actor Ruth Codd Actor and presenter Stephen Fry Actor and comedian Tameka Empson Former professional diver Tom Daley The prize money for winning Celebrity Traitors will be £100,000, which will go the the charity of the winner's choosing. On Tuesday's episode of The Rest Is Entertainment podcast, host Marina Hyde reported that every single star taking part will be paid a flat rate of £40,000. According to Hyde's sources, Sir Stephen Fry – by far the show's biggest booking – will receive exactly the same fee as actress Ruth Codd, best known for starring in Netflix's 2022 series The Midnight Club. Want to get all the latest news and predictions for the best and most dramatic show this new year? Join our The Traitors WhatsApp channel for live episode coverage, behind-the-scenes gossip and a place to recover from all the cliffhangers. Simply click on this link, select 'Join Chat' and you're in! Don't forget to turn on notifications! This is despite the former easily being the biggest draw for audiences, likely to even lure in viewers who have never seen The Traitors. Everyone is playing the same game, has made the same commitment, and will be valued in exactly the same way. My immediate reaction is that I'm uncomfortable – but let me get to the positives first. A flat-rate – if true – is a big equaliser, meaning no big egos to match. More often than not, the highest-paid 'talent' on reality TV can be a car-crash. Just this year, Mickey Rourke was said to have been paid £500,000 to be confined to a compound with the likes of Jojo Siwa and former Conservative MP Michael Fabricant in Celebrity Big Brother. He lasted less than a week and had to be removed from the house for 'unacceptable behaviour'. In 2023, Nigel Farage was reportedly paid £1.5 million for I'm A Celebrity. Sure, he ended up coming third, but his appearance in the jungle alone threatened to tarnish the show for good. So a flat rate for the Celebrity Traitors season would genuinely be a very welcome shift in direction. Still, it sits uncomfortably with me that some of The Celebrity Traitors cast are being paid at all, especially when it's being pitched as a game for charity — with a maximum of £100,000 being donated to the winner's chosen cause. In total, the cast is reportedly being paid £760,000 – that's £660,000 more than the money that can possibly be raised for the charity or charities who benefit from a winning celebrity. Should three faithful come out on top at the end, the flat £40,000 rate would mean they've individually been paid more than they've raised for their charity, which feels disingenuous and actually quite vulgar. It's been reported previously that The Traitors contestants in the regular civilian seasons are only compensated for their time at a rate of around £100 a day, unless they win the eventual prize. As evidenced by the emotional stories of why they want to win, it's clear many of them likely need it a lot more than the cast playing the celebrity version. Granted, it's a life-changing experience: Minah Shannon, the true hero of season 3, has just gone on to land a slot on BBC Radio 1, while Alexander Dragonetti hosted his own Friday night series on Classic FM. Many contestants make a quick buck through endorsements, appearances, and a substantial boost in social media followers, but they can give up their jobs and are only paid lost wages during filming. Yes, they have the chance to walk away with a huge amount of money – but when split between other Faithfuls, it's roughly the same as the celebrities who are being paid anyway. Of course, I appreciate some of the celebrity line-up will have had to move projects or even drop projects to make it work. I'm also sure playing The Traitors for two weeks isn't always the jolly it appears to be on TV. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video And I have no doubt some of the cast will donate their fee to the charity of their choice anyway. Sir Stephen Fry and Jonathan Ross are worth tens of millions and have done plenty of charity work for free – I'd be amazed and honestly very disappointed if they actually took any of their fee home with them. For other names on the bill, the rumoured £40,000 probably means a lot more. Charlotte Church recently admitted she blew her £25million fortune and says she is 'no longer a millionaire'. I mean, yes, join the club – but also £40,000 is a lot of money to anyone who isn't rolling in it. Admittedly, it's naïve of me to think the cast won't have been paid at all or that celebrities don't lend their name and the value it has to campaigns and charities without making a few bob. But it does make me uncomfortable. I'm A Celebrity doesn't donate any prize money to charity, which isn't exactly more honourable, but at least there's no pretence. The stars on that show are very open about taking part for the money and there's nothing wrong with that. I'd want six-figures too to spend a day with Nigel Farage, let alone three weeks. So what's the solution? The cast signs up without pay? I'm sure Studio Lambert could have found an all-star cast of talent that would genuinely want to take part for the love of the game and their charity without being paid a dime. More Trending But perhaps I'd feel more comfortable if the prize to the charity was guaranteed to be larger than the pay to the celebrity. The format of The Traitors is unbeatable. Combined with the star power of this line-up, I can't imagine anything else will be as popular on television this year. I can't even think of anything, at least in entertainment, that will come close. If the show's going to fork out the cash on celebs to take part, then maybe it should also be willing to double the prize pot, bringing in some real jeopardy for the celebs so you'd make a better – and fairer – show. View More » Metro approached the BBC and Studio Lambert who both declined to comment Do you have a story you'd like to share? Get in touch by emailing Share your views in the comments below. MORE: I've heard enough words – I want more Government action on Israel-Palestine MORE: BBC confirms decision on MasterChef series filmed with John Torode and Gregg Wallace MORE: EastEnders fans 'obsessed' as Walford legend returns to TV screens