Watch out iPlayer, a rival UK TV streamer is getting a huge boost in TV content – and it's all free

Channel 4 has announced a partnership with another UK TV broadcaster to greatly increase the amount of content available on its free streaming service. It'll even include classic BBC programming.

The multi-year deal has been signed with U – the network responsible for channels such as U&Dave and U&Gold. It means that shows like The Office, Red Dwarf, QI and Big Zuu's Big Eats will soon be viewable in the Channel 4 app as well as U's own platform.

This will expand the amount of programming available in the Channel 4 app by hundreds of TV shows, moving it closer to the likes of BBC iPlayer and ITVX in the breadth of content.

The deal will start in January next year, with U's catch-up content and boxsets available from day one.

"It’s fantastic that we are building on our long and successful commercial partnership with a bold new deal with UKTV to make our streaming proposition even stronger for viewers," said the interim CEO of Channel 4, Jonathan Allan.

"Loads of brilliant British content from U will complement our own bold, noisy shows and UKTV will benefit from tapping into our younger streaming audience."

Channel 4 streaming expansion

This partnership isn't the only expansion to its streaming services that Channel 4 has announced recently. It also launched three exclusive live channels on the Freely platform recently.

The 4Reality, 4Homes and 4Life channels give those with access to the free live TV service an additional way to enjoy the station's TV shows in a linear format – albeit streamed rather than over an antenna or satellite dish.

Channel 4's streaming services are completely free to use, but you can also pay £3.99 per month to remove adverts from the programming on its app.