Channel 5 Makes Vodcast Debut

Channel 5 is moving into vodcasts with two newly commissioned series from Spirit Studios, marking the broadcaster’s first step into the format.

The shows will be released across all major podcast platforms and YouTube, with versions also available on Channel 5's streaming service and on linear television, as the network broadens how audiences can access its content.

Catching Up with the Royals (60’ x 20 episodes) pairs the Reverend Richard Coles with royal correspondent Emily Andrews to look beyond the ceremony and spectacle of royal life and examine the stories behind the headlines surrounding the Windsors. Each week, the hosts will dissect the latest developments — from widely discussed moments to quieter narratives unfolding behind palace doors — drawing on Andrews’ years following King Charles, Prince William, and Harry and Meghan, and Coles’ interest in royal history and relationships.

The series will also revisit defining chapters in the monarchy’s past, from notorious scandals to little-known protocols, exploring how earlier events continue to shape the present. Catching Up with the Royals launches on Thursday 29 January on podcast platforms and YouTube, and airs on Channel 5 from Saturday 31 January at 1.55pm.

A Night In with Sally Lindsay (w/t – 60’ x 20 episodes) is a nostalgic chat show vodcast in which Lindsay is joined by a different celebrity each episode to reflect on the TV moments that influenced their lives — from childhood favourites and genre obsessions to programmes that inspired their careers. As they laugh and reminisce (and occasionally cringe at guilty pleasures), the conversations will uncover how certain shows sparked ambition, soothed difficult times, forged family traditions or accompanied major life events. Launch details will be announced in due course.

Sebastian Cardwell, Deputy Chief Content Officer and Head of Scripted, Paramount UK, said: "We're excited to step into the world of vodcasts, which offers a huge opportunity for 5. It's a natural next step as we continue to give audiences greater choice in how and when they engage with our content.

"Our viewers have a real appetite for factual storytelling, and these new podcast series’ open up fresh ways to experience the stories we tell best. We've focused on two subjects we know resonate strongly with our audience and matched them with the perfect hosts – Reverend Richard Coles, Emily Andrews and Sally Lindsay. Spirit Studios are ideal partners for this project, bringing outstanding expertise, creativity and ideas."

Matt Campion, Creative Director of Spirit Studios, commented: "We're thrilled to be producing two new weekly shows for 5 designed to live seamlessly across podcasting, YouTube, streaming and television. It feels like a real shift in 2026 towards truly 360-degree content, and it’s exciting for Spirit to be at the forefront of creating shows audiences can listen to, watch on their phones, or enjoy in their living rooms. Working with talent like Sally Lindsay on a joyful celebration of TV nostalgia, and with Richard Coles and Emily Andrews on Catching Up with the Royals, is incredibly special – these are warm, witty, brilliantly entertaining shows, and we can’t wait for audiences to discover them."

Catching Up with the Royals and A Night In with Sally Lindsay (w/t) were commissioned for Channel 5 by Sebastian Cardwell and Federico Ruiz, Commissioning Editor. Spirit Studios produces, with Matt Campion as Creative Director, Laura Pierce as Producer, Elinor Davies as Assistant Producer, Jess Kennedy-Buckley as Director of Photography and Felix Kemp as Editor.

www.channel5.com