{{Short description|British children's television channel (1995–2020)}} {{Use British English|date=December 2019}} {{Use dmy dates|date=December 2019}} {{Infobox television channel | name = Disney Channel | logo = 2017 Disney Channel logo.svg | logo_size = 240px | logo_caption = Final logo used from 1 February 2017 to 1 October 2020 | launch_date = {{start date and age|1995|10|1|df=yes}} | closed_date = {{end date and age|2020|10|1|df=yes}}<ref name=TheVerge>{{Cite web|last=Alexander|first=Julia|date=2020-06-25|title=Disney is eliminating Disney Channel in the UK, moving titles to Disney Plus|url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/6/25/21303043/disney-channel-united-kingdom-xd-streaming-plus-new-zealand-sky-comcast|access-date=2020-06-28|website=The Verge|language=en|archive-date=28 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200628051718/https://www.theverge.com/2020/6/25/21303043/disney-channel-united-kingdom-xd-streaming-plus-new-zealand-sky-comcast|url-status=live}}</ref> | replaced_by = Disney+ (most of its content) | language = English | picture_format = {{plainlist| * HDTV 1080i * SDTV 576i }} | former_names = The Disney Channel (1995–1997) | owner = The Walt Disney Company Limited<br>Disney Channels Worldwide (Walt Disney Direct-to-Consumer & International) | timeshift_service = Disney Channel +1 | type = | country = United Kingdom | area = British Isles | headquarters = Chiswick, England<ref name="chiswick">{{Cite web |title=Disney Studios, Chiswick Park |url=https://www.tvstudiohistory.co.uk/independent-tv-studios/disney-studios-chiswick-park/ |access-date=2022-12-11 |website=TV Studio History |language=en-US |archive-date=11 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221211084929/https://www.tvstudiohistory.co.uk/independent-tv-studios/disney-studios-chiswick-park/ |url-status=live }}</ref> | sister_channels = Disney Jr. (relaunched in 2025) <br>Disney XD }} '''Disney Channel''' was a children's pay television channel that operated in the UK and Ireland from 1 October 1995 to 1 October 2020 as the variant of the namesake American television channel. It was owned and operated by The Walt Disney Company Limited, the EMEA arm of the Walt Disney Company and served audiences under age 18 in the region. During its operation, Disney Channel was supported by a one-hour timeshift channel, '''Disney Channel +1''', which was available on Sky and Virgin Media.
==History==
===Development (1984–1995)=== In 1989, Disney Channel UK was set to become the first Disney Channel outside the US with support from the British cable companies of the time to deliver the service within a 2-3 year window.<ref>{{Cite news |date=30 January 1984 |title=Disney cable |pages=15 |work=The Press |url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19840130.2.79.8?items_per_page=100&page=4&query=%22TV+station%22&snippet=true&sort_by=byDA}}</ref> The idea was revived in 1989, this time with support from Sky Television, a former British satellite television company. The channel was to feature promotional material for Sky Television and the Astra satellite. However, a proposed joint venture between Disney and Sky Television was cancelled. Disputes over decision-making responsibilities led to Sky suing Disney for £1.5 billion in damages. Disney argued that it sought more influence over decisions and was unwilling to fund its share of the venture.<ref>{{cite web |date=16 May 1989 |title=Number 2043 |url=http://ftp.funet.fi/pub/dx/text/NEWS/SCDX/scdx2043.txt |publisher=SWEDEN CALLING DXERS |access-date=19 October 2009 |archive-date=3 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170703203505/http://ftp.funet.fi/pub/dx/text/NEWS/SCDX/scdx2043.txt |url-status=live }}</ref>
The lawsuit was eventually settled, and Disney sold its stake in the joint venture to Sky. As a result, Sky gained access to the Walt Disney Pictures movie library for five years.<ref>{{cite web |author=Richard W. Stevenson |date=16 May 1989 |title=Murdoch Broadcast Concern Sues Disney |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1989/05/16/business/murdoch-broadcast-concern-sues-disney.html |work=The New York Times |access-date=7 February 2017 |archive-date=30 January 2013 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130130115546/http://www.nytimes.com/1989/05/16/business/murdoch-broadcast-concern-sues-disney.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Kathyrn Harris |date=3 June 1989 |title=Disney Settles Fraud Suit With Murdoch's News Corp. |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-06-03-fi-953-story.html |work=Los Angeles Times |access-date=15 August 2024 |archive-date=22 February 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250222185102/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-06-03-fi-953-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
In December 1994, following the expiration of its agreement with Sky, The Walt Disney Company announced plans to independently launch The Disney Channel in the United Kingdom. The channel, which was set to debut in fall 1995, would be available as a subscription service through a deal with British Sky Broadcasting. Subscribers to Sky's movie package could receive The Disney Channel for free, while it was also offered as a standalone package.
In January 1994, Disney announced a joint venture with CLT Multi Media to launch Super RTL in Germany, which successfully launched in April 1995.<ref>{{Cite web |date=1994-12-08 |title=BSKYB To Offer Disney Channel |url=https://the-media-leader.com/bskyb-to-offer-disney-channel/ |access-date=2023-04-06 |website=The Media Leader |archive-date=16 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231116233235/https://the-media-leader.com/bskyb-to-offer-disney-channel/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
===Launch and early history (1995–1997)=== On 25 August 1995, it was confirmed that The Disney Channel would launch in the UK and Ireland on 1 October 1995. The channel, broadcasting daily from 6 am to 10 pm on channel 26 and sharing with Sky Movies Gold on the Astra 1B satellite service, was subscription-only and free of advertising. Its programming was designed for all family members and included dramas, comedies, cartoons, documentaries, and films from Disney's archives, including the UK television premiere of ''The Jungle Book''. Mellors Reay & Partners handled the channel's launch advertising, with media services managed by BBJ Media Services Ltd.<ref>{{Cite web |date=1995-08-25 |title=Disney Channel Launch |url=https://the-media-leader.com/disney-channel-launch/ |access-date=2023-04-06 |website=The Media Leader |archive-date=17 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231117000812/https://the-media-leader.com/disney-channel-launch/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
The Disney Channel's studios and broadcast facilities were initially located at Teddington Studios. In late 1996, they were relocated to Stephen Street, where Thames Television's original headquarters had been.<ref name="st-johns-wood">{{Cite web |title=St John's Wood Studios |url=https://www.tvstudiohistory.co.uk/independent-tv-studios/st-johns-wood-studios/ |access-date=2023-04-06 |website=TV Studio History |archive-date=16 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230516213854/https://www.tvstudiohistory.co.uk/independent-tv-studios/st-johns-wood-studios/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Pearson plc provided playout and transmission services for the channel.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2000-05-20 |title=Pearson Television Home Page |url=http://www.pearsontv.com/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000520065203/http://www.pearsontv.com/ |archive-date=20 May 2000 |access-date=2023-04-06}}</ref>
Within two weeks of its launch, Disney Channel UK began discussions with the Independent Television Commission (ITC) regarding the promotion of Disney products and services on the channel. Although the channel did not carry traditional advertising, the ITC proposed clear breaks for self-promotion, marked by the on-screen Disney Consumer Arcade motif.<ref>{{Cite web |date=1995-10-10 |title=Disney Channel Must Change Promotion Operations |url=https://www.telecompaper.com/news/disney-channel-must-change-promotion-operations--66677 |access-date=2023-04-06 |website=Telecompaper}}</ref> In July 1997, the ITC criticised Disney Channel's marketing practices, noting that it was offered for free to customers who subscribed to Sky's premium film channels. Disney Channel agreed to make adjustments, including increasing programme continuity and launching Disney Channel UK Live, a new live block.<ref>{{Cite web |date=1997-07-29 |title=ITC Supports Complaints Over Disney Channel |url=https://www.telecompaper.com/news/itc-supports-complaints-over-disney-channel--113779 |access-date=2023-04-06 |website=Telecompaper }}</ref>
===Launch of sister channels (1998–2005)=== On 2 March 1998, Disney Channel UK became available as a separate premium channel on Sky and cable operators.<ref>{{Cite web |date=1998-02-27 |title=Disney Channel Goes "A La Carte" |url=https://the-media-leader.com/disney-channel-goes-a-la-carte/ |access-date=2023-04-06 |website=The Media Leader |archive-date=12 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230212120041/https://the-media-leader.com/disney-channel-goes-a-la-carte/ |url-status=live }}</ref> To promote this, Disney Channel offered three days of free programming from 21 to 23 March 1998. Paul Robinson was appointed managing director on 6 December 1998, overseeing day-to-day operations.<ref>{{Cite web |date=1998-12-07 |title=Disney Channel UK Appoints Paul Robinson As MD |url=https://www.telecompaper.com/news/disney-channel-uk-appoints-paul-robinson-as-md--156940 |access-date=2023-04-06 |website=Telecompaper}}</ref>
On 15 February 1999, Disney Channel introduced a nightly movie slot at 7 pm, which saw a 300% increase in viewership after a promotional campaign featuring a lounge set with Disney-themed decor.<ref>{{Cite web |date=1999-02-12 |title=Disney Channel UK Launches Evening Movie Slot |url=https://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/disney-channel-uk-launches-evening-movie-slot/1209620.article |access-date=2023-04-06 |website=www. broadcast now.co.uk |archive-date=17 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231117020905/https://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/disney-channel-uk-launches-evening-movie-slot/1209620.article |url-status=live }}</ref> The channel's schedule was restructured on 1 September 1999, introducing a Playhouse Disney-branded preschool block and various programming changes.<ref>{{Cite web |date=1999-07-16 |title=Disney Channel UK's autumn schedule will launch on 1 September with a new graphics package created by French production company Gedeon. The idents, set to roll out to other parts of |url=https://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/disney-channel-uks-autumn-schedule-will-launch-on-1-september-with-a-new-graphics-package-created-by-french-production-company-gedeon-the-idents-set-to-roll-out-to-other-parts-of/1217262.article |access-date=2023-04-06 |website=Broadcast |archive-date=28 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131228212210/https://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/disney-channel-uks-autumn-schedule-will-launch-on-1-september-with-a-new-graphics-package-created-by-french-production-company-gedeon-the-idents-set-to-roll-out-to-other-parts-of/1217262.article |url-status=live }}</ref>
On 29 September 2000, Disney Channel launched three "multiplexed" channels: two sister channels Playhouse Disney and Toon Disney, and a 1-hour timeshift service called Disney Channel +1.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2000-09-13 |title=Disney launches new channels |url=https://www.campaignlive.co.uk/article/disney-launches-new-channels/506643 |access-date=2023-04-06 |website=www.campaignlive.co.uk |archive-date=17 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231117022413/https://www.campaignlive.co.uk/article/disney-launches-new-channels/506643 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2000-09-22 |title=CHANNEL FOCUS - The talk of the toon |url=https://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/channel-focus-the-talk-of-the-toon/1202051.article |access-date=2023-04-06 |website=www.broadcastnow.co.uk |archive-date=15 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210615002435/https://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/channel-focus-the-talk-of-the-toon/1202051.article |url-status=live }}</ref> These additions aimed to cater to different age groups and programming needs, and were available free of charge to digital customers who already subscribed to the main Disney Channel, similar to premium movie channels. The Playhouse Disney programming block continued to air until July 2004. In May 2001, Disney Channel introduced Studio Disney UK, a live block featuring interstitials between programmes. On 30 June 2001, the channel closed on Sky's analogue service, transitioning to digital.
By 2002, Disney Channel UK moved to new facilities at Chiswick Park.<ref name="st-johns-wood" /> On 17 August 2004, Disney Channel Play, a games service, was launched on Sky Gamestar.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2004-08-17 |title=Sky Selects Disney For Interactive Games Service - The Media Leader |url=https://the-media-leader.com/sky-selects-disney-for-interactive-games-service/ |access-date=2024-09-02 |language=en-GB |archive-date=6 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406130307/https://the-media-leader.com/sky-selects-disney-for-interactive-games-service/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In September 2004, the channel expanded to a 24-hour service.<ref name="chiswick" />
===Switch to basic cable services (2006–2020)=== On 16 March 2006, Disney Channel and Playhouse Disney shifted from premium channels to basic-level subscription packages.<ref>{{cite web |date=27 February 2006 |title=Disney in £130m deal with Sky as ESPN launches in the UK |url=https://www.campaignlive.co.uk/article/disney-130m-deal-sky-espn-launches-uk/543453 |publisher=Campaign |access-date=27 October 2019 |archive-date=29 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200229204708/https://www.campaignlive.co.uk/article/disney-130m-deal-sky-espn-launches-uk/543453 |url-status=live }}</ref> Disney Cinemagic replaced Toon Disney, while Disney Channel +1 returned in June 2006.<ref>{{cite web |date=7 June 2006 |title=Disney Channel timeshift to rejoin Sky EPG |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/tech/satellite/a33865/disney-channel-timeshift-to-rejoin-sky-epg/ |website=Digital Spy}}</ref> In late 2007, Disney Channel joined Sky's Picnic service, which later became Now TV in 2012.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Disney lines up for Sky's proposed Picnic |url=https://www.campaignlive.co.uk/article/disney-lines-skys-proposed-picnic/768600 |access-date=2023-04-06 |website=www.campaignlive.co.uk |archive-date=9 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230309073404/https://www.campaignlive.co.uk/article/disney-lines-skys-proposed-picnic/768600 |url-status=live }}</ref>
In January 2009, Disney Channel UK launched an in-house sales team for commercial deals while remaining advertising-free.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Disney Channel's sales team boost |url=https://www.campaignlive.co.uk/article/disney-channels-sales-team-boost/873134 |access-date=2023-04-06 |website=campaignlive.co.uk |archive-date=26 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230226025707/https://www.campaignlive.co.uk/article/disney-channels-sales-team-boost/873134 |url-status=live }}</ref> The channel began broadcasting in widescreen format in May 2010 and adopted a new logo in September 2011, with an HD version launching on Sky and UPC Ireland.<ref>{{cite web |date=6 July 2011 |title=Selena Gomez marks Disney Channel HD launch |url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/broadcasting/news/a328603/selena-gomez-marks-disney-channel-hd-launch.html |publisher=Digital Spy |access-date=7 July 2011 |archive-date=12 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110712132743/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/broadcasting/news/a328603/selena-gomez-marks-disney-channel-hd-launch.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=15 August 2012 |title=UPC adds 21 new HD channels, including 19 Sky channels - Play |url=https://www.siliconrepublic.com/play/upc-adds-21-new-hd-channels-including-19-sky-channels |publisher=Silicon Republic |access-date=22 August 2024 |archive-date=22 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240822131929/https://www.siliconrepublic.com/play/upc-adds-21-new-hd-channels-including-19-sky-channels |url-status=live }}</ref>
By 2012, Encompass took over as the playout provider for Disney Channel.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Walt Disney hearing summary |url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5329deb4ed915d0e5d000287/walt_disney_summary.pdf |access-date=2023-04-06 |website=assets.publishing.service.gov.uk |archive-date=6 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406130309/https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5329deb4ed915d0e5d000287/walt_disney_summary.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> On 1 July 2013, Disney Channel and Disney Junior began carrying advertising.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Disney Channel and Disney Junior UK to start running spot ads |url=https://www.campaignlive.co.uk/article/disney-channel-disney-junior-uk-start-running-spot-ads/1173168 |access-date=2023-04-06 |website=campaignlive.co.uk |archive-date=26 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230226025709/https://www.campaignlive.co.uk/article/disney-channel-disney-junior-uk-start-running-spot-ads/1173168 |url-status=live }}</ref> Disney Cinemagic closed on 27 March 2013, with the channel relaunched as Sky Movies Disney.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2013-02-21 |title=Sky and Disney launch pay TV channel |url=https://tbivision.com/2013/02/21/sky-and-disney-launch-pay-tv-channel/ |access-date=2023-04-06 |website=TBI Vision |archive-date=26 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230226025708/https://tbivision.com/2013/02/21/sky-and-disney-launch-pay-tv-channel/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2013-02-21 |title=Sky Movies Disney: new channel to show UK TV film premieres |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2013/feb/21/sky-movies-disney-new-channel-uk |access-date=2023-04-06 |website=The Guardian |archive-date=20 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180620024210/https://www.theguardian.com/media/2013/feb/21/sky-movies-disney-new-channel-uk |url-status=live }}</ref> Disney Channel was removed from Now TV in 2016,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2015-11-23 |title=DisneyLife Streaming Service Launches in the U.K. |url=https://thewaltdisneycompany.com/disneylife-streaming-service-launches-in-the-u-k/ |access-date=2023-04-06 |website=The Walt Disney Company |archive-date=30 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200730010925/https://thewaltdisneycompany.com/disneylife-streaming-service-launches-in-the-u-k/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and Nat Geo Wild replaced it on the original slot.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-05-04 |title=Sky's Now TV intros new kids streaming service |url=https://kidscreen.com/2016/05/04/skys-now-tv-launches-contract-free-kids-streaming-service/ |access-date=2023-04-06 |website=Kidscreen |archive-date=6 May 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160506043954/https://kidscreen.com/2016/05/04/skys-now-tv-launches-contract-free-kids-streaming-service/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Disney+ replaced internet service DisneyLife in March 2020, no longer including linear television channels.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-05-09 |title=DisneyLife - Watch Disney Movies, TV Box Sets, Listen to Music & More |url=https://www.disneylife.com/uk |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190509032441/https://www.disneylife.com/uk |archive-date=9 May 2019 |access-date=2023-04-06}}</ref>
===Closure due to Disney+ (2020)=== On 3 June 2020, Disney announced that David Levine, vice president of children's programming for Disney's British, European, and African channels, and general manager for Disney Channel UK, would leave the company on 30 June 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-06-03 |title=David Levine to leave Disney |url=https://kidscreen.com/2020/06/03/david-levine-to-leave-disney/ |access-date=2023-04-06 |website=KidScreen |archive-date=11 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200611145107/https://kidscreen.com/2020/06/03/david-levine-to-leave-disney/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kanter |first=Jake |date=2020-06-03 |title=Disney European Kids Chief David Levine Quits After 16 Years |url=https://deadline.com/2020/06/disney-european-kids-chief-david-levine-quits-1202950164/ |access-date=2023-04-06 |website=Deadline |archive-date=30 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230530013722/https://deadline.com/2020/06/disney-european-kids-chief-david-levine-quits-1202950164/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On 25 June 2020, it was announced that Disney Channel UK would close on 1 October 2020, following the launch of Disney+ in the UK.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kanter |first=Jake |date=2020-06-25 |title=Disney To Close Kids Channels In The UK Following Launch Of Disney+ |url=https://deadline.com/2020/06/disney-to-close-kids-channels-in-the-uk-following-launch-of-disney-1202969592/ |access-date=2023-04-06 |website=Deadline |archive-date=16 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231116233841/https://deadline.com/2020/06/disney-to-close-kids-channels-in-the-uk-following-launch-of-disney-1202969592/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The channel, along with Disney Junior and Disney XD, closed down at midnight BST on 1 October 2020, exactly 25 years after its launch. The YouTube channel for Disney Channel UK remained active, but later changed its name to Disney Club UK, effectively ending the Disney Channel brand for the UK.<ref>{{Cite web |title=DisneyChannelUK - YouTube |url=https://www.youtube.com/@DisneyChannelUK/ |website=www.youtube.com |access-date=28 June 2023}}</ref>
The final programme aired was the 2019 film ''Descendants 3''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Disney Channel (UK) - Final Closedown - 1 October 2020 - YouTube |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YSOsKBexhpY |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211219/YSOsKBexhpY |archive-date=2021-12-19 |access-date=2020-12-19 |website=www.youtube.com| date=30 September 2020}}{{cbignore}}</ref>{{better source needed|date=January 2021}} The channels were removed from Virgin Media on 29 September,<ref>{{cite web |author=Mullins, Daniel |date=1 October 2020 |title=Disney Channel UK: Virgin Media Feed Shutdown |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQut8Gz8l10.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211219/oQut8Gz8l10 |archive-date=2021-12-19 |via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref>{{better source needed|date=January 2021}} and CBBC and CBeebies took over their Sky EPG slots on 1 October.{{citation needed|date=January 2021}} In November 2020, Disney returned its broadcast licenses for Disney Channel UK, Disney XD UK, and Disney Junior UK to Ofcom, with new European licenses being handled by Spain's CNMC due to Brexit.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-01-18 |title=[Archived Content] TV broadcast licensing monthly updates - Ofcom |url=https://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ukgwa/20210118001317/https://www.ofcom.org.uk/manage-your-licence/tv-broadcast-licences/updates |access-date=2023-04-06 |website=webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Mavise - Search results |url=http://mavise.obs.coe.int/q/ondemand/Disney%20Channel |access-date=2023-04-06 |website=mavise.obs.coe.int}}</ref> Sky Cinema Disney also closed on 30 December 2020, making Disney+ the primary source for Disney movies in the UK and Ireland.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-12-08 |title=Sky Cinema Disney To Close This Month |url=https://whatsondisneyplus.com/sky-cinema-disney-to-close-this-month/ |access-date=2023-04-06 |website=What's On Disney Plus |archive-date=8 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201208165437/https://whatsondisneyplus.com/sky-cinema-disney-to-close-this-month/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Following Fox UK's closure in 2021, National Geographic and BabyTV were the only Disney-owned pay television channels in the UK.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-04-06 |title=Fox to cease UK broadcasts |url=https://www.broadbandtvnews.com/2021/05/19/fox-to-cease-uk-broadcasts/ |access-date=2023-04-06 |website=Broadband TV News |archive-date=9 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230309073359/https://www.broadbandtvnews.com/2021/05/19/fox-to-cease-uk-broadcasts/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
After Disney Channel UK's shutdown, Disney vacated its Chiswick Park building, returning it to the landlord in June 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Building 12, Chiswick Park, 566 Chiswick High Road, London, W4 5AN |url=https://www.novaloca.com/office-space/to-let/london/chiswick-park/193428?search=true |access-date=2023-04-06 |website=www.novaloca.com |archive-date=9 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230309073357/https://www.novaloca.com/office-space/to-let/london/chiswick-park/193428?search=true |url-status=live }}</ref> Disney continues to operate its EMEA headquarters in Hammersmith, London.
==Programming== {{Main|List of programmes broadcast by Disney Channel (United Kingdom and Ireland)}}
The channel's programming primarily consisted of syndicated shows from its American counterpart, but it also featured UK and Irish series such as ''The Lodge'', ''Stick with Me, Kid'', and ''Sadie Sparks''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Barraclough |first=Leo |date=17 March 2014 |title=Disney Greenlights England-set Spooky House Tale 'Evermoor' |url=https://variety.com/2014/tv/news/disney-greenlights-england-set-spooky-house-tale-evermoor-1201136103/ |access-date=28 March 2020 |publisher=Variety |archive-date=31 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140731172153/http://variety.com/2014/tv/news/disney-greenlights-england-set-spooky-house-tale-evermoor-1201136103/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |author=Seán Brosnan |date=24 March 2016 |title=Disney Channel Series The Lodge Begins Filming in Northern Ireland |url=http://www.iftn.ie/production/production_news/?act1=record&only=1&aid=73&rid=4289117&tpl=archnews&force=1 |access-date=28 March 2020 |work=IFTN |archive-date=18 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200718045015/http://www.iftn.ie/production/production_news/?act1=record&only=1&aid=73&rid=4289117&tpl=archnews&force=1 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="dalmatian">{{Cite news |last=Whittock |first=Jesse |title=Disney heads to 101 Dalmatian Street |url=https://tbivision.com/2017/06/14/disney-heads-101-dalmatian-street/761881 |access-date=28 March 2020 |work=TBI Vision |archive-date=1 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190101193834/https://tbivision.com/2017/06/14/disney-heads-101-dalmatian-street/761881/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=sL4RAQAAMAAJ&q=stick+with+me+kid+disney+channel |title=TV World |date=1995 |publisher=Alain-Charles Pub. |language=en |access-date=26 August 2024 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Zahed |first=Ramin |date=2018-06-05 |title=Disney Reveals Magic Touch with 'Sadie Sparks' |url=https://www.animationmagazine.net/tv/disney-reveals-magic-touch-with-sadie-sparks/ |access-date=2019-11-03 |work=Animation Magazine |archive-date=3 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191103150517/https://www.animationmagazine.net/tv/disney-reveals-magic-touch-with-sadie-sparks/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Disney Channel UK also aired a variety of local programming, including ''Life Bites'' (a localized version of ''Life Bites – Pillole di vita''),<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dowell |first=Ben |date=2008-08-18 |title=Life Bites: Teens get acting break in Disney sketch show |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2008/aug/18/television.television |access-date=2023-04-06 |website=The Guardian |archive-date=11 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190711120325/https://www.theguardian.com/media/2008/aug/18/television.television |url-status=live }}</ref> ''As the Bell Rings'' (a localized version of ''Quelli dell'intervallo''), ''Hannah-Oke'' (a karaoke series featuring songs from ''Hannah Montana''), ''Get the Look'', ''First Class Chefs'', ''Access All Areas'', and ''Royal Ranch''.
In March 2014, Disney Channel announced ''Evermoor'', a multi-part movie filmed in the UK and later developed into ''The Evermoor Chronicles'' television series. It became the first long-form British series to air on the American Disney Channel. The series was produced by Lime Pictures and Disney's EMEA television studio.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2014-03-17 |title=Disney Channel's Evermoor filming in UK |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/a557948/disney-channel-multi-part-movie-evermoor-to-be-filmed-in-uk/ |access-date=2023-04-06 |website=www.digitalspy.com |archive-date=9 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230309073358/https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/a557948/disney-channel-multi-part-movie-evermoor-to-be-filmed-in-uk/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
On 18 March 2019, Disney Channel UK premiered ''101 Dalmatian Street'', a locally produced animated series inspired by Disney's ''101 Dalmatians'' franchise and Dodie Smith's original novel. The series was developed by Disney's London animation team, Passion Animation Studios, and Atomic Cartoons.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-10-02 |title=101 Dalmatian Street » Atomic Cartoons Inc. |url=https://www.atomiccartoons.com/projects/101-dalmatian-street |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181002002450/https://www.atomiccartoons.com/projects/101-dalmatian-street |archive-date=2 October 2018 |access-date=2023-04-06}}</ref><ref name="dalmatian" />
== Logos == <gallery> File:1986 Disney Channel logo.svg|1995–1997 File:1997 Disney Channel logo.jpg|1997–2003 File:2002 Disney Channel logo.svg|2003–2011 File:2010 Disney Channel logo.svg|2011–2014 File:2014 Disney Channel logo.svg|18 July 2014–6 February 2017 File:2017 Disney Channel logo.svg|6 February 2017–30 September 2020 </gallery>
==See also== * Disney Channel * Disney Jr. * Disney XD * Disney Cinemagic
==References== {{Reflist}}
==External links== * {{Official website|https://tv.disney.co.uk}} * {{IMDb title|qid=Q18154641|title=Studio Disney}} {{Portal bar|Disney|Television|United Kingdom|Ireland|Media}} {{Disney Channel}} {{Disney}} {{Children's channels in UK & Ireland}}
Category:1995 establishments in Ireland Category:1995 establishments in the United Kingdom Category:2020 disestablishments in Ireland Category:2020 disestablishments in the United Kingdom Category:Children's television channels in Ireland Category:Children's television channels in the United Kingdom Category:Defunct television channels in the United Kingdom Category:Disney Channel international original programming British and Irish Category:Disney television channels in the United Kingdom Category:English-language television stations in Ireland Category:English-language television stations in the United Kingdom Category:Former subsidiaries of The Walt Disney Company Category:Television channels and stations disestablished in 2020 Category:Television channels and stations established in 1995 Category:Television stations in Malta