Top News

Millions of Sky TV viewers are being warned to brace for a shake-up hitting screens tomorrow. The change, which comes into force from April 30, means one popular movie channel is disappearing. The TV giant recently confirmed that it is overhauling its movie channel line-up and merging two services into one.

So what is changing and how does it affect you? Sky Cinema Animation, currently found on channel 312, is being turned off as a standalone channel and folded into Sky Cinema Family on channel 304 instead.

Although that sounds like less value for money, it's not all bad news. Sky insists the switch is designed to make things simpler by creating one go-to home for family-friendly films. It basically means blockbuster favourites including Shrek, The Secret Life of Pets, Smurfs, How to Train Your Dragon, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse and Wicked will all be available in one place rather than two competing channels.

Sky says everything previously shown on Sky Cinema Animation will still be available through Sky Cinema Family, meaning fans should not miss out on their favourite films. And there is a silver lining for anyone disappointed by this news.

Sky Cinema Animation will make surprise returns during school holidays to keep children entertained during times when schools are shut.

HERE ARE THE DATES WHEN SKY ANIMATION WILL RETURN

• July 24 to August 30

• October 23 to November 1

• December 1 to January 5

Anyone who currently subscribes to a Sky Cinema package won't need to do anything or retune their devices. The changes will take place automatically.

Once the Sky Cinema Animation service goes back on air, the channel will also reappear on the TV guide.