Five to join Freesat in two weeks

The addition of the channel will mean that Freesat viewers will be able to watch Five's autumn line-up of programming, including 'Paul Merton in India', '1968 Unseen', 'Dangerous Adventures for Boys' and 'Unbreakable'.

Emma Scott, Freesat's managing director, said: "We've been looking forward to welcoming Five onto Freesat since we launched, and we know viewers have too.

"Five is a fantastic addition and we're thrilled that the large numbers of homes that have already chosen Freesat will now be able to enjoy Five alongside around 140 other channels available without a subscription or contract."

Charles Constable, Five's director of strategy, said: "Our launch will support three of Five's objectives: to be universally available throughout the UK, to let viewers watch our programmes on the platform of their choice, and to enable as many people as possible to watch Five free of charge."

Five will be automatically added to viewers' Freesat digital boxes or integrated televisions to slot number 105.

In September Freesat said it had sold 100,000 set-top boxes during its first five months, despite tough trading conditions.

Separately Five has promoted its executive sales director Mark White to managing director.