Channel 4 explains programming after Prince Philip’s death as Gogglebox and The Circle still set to air

Channel 4 has explained its programming following Prince Philip’s death, as shows like Gogglebox and The Circle are still set to air.

Other channels, including BBC and ITV have thrown out their scheduled TV, instead running special programmes, news coverage, and documentaries about the Duke of Edinburgh following his death at the age of 99.

While some have praised Channel 4 for still running their usual shows, alongside some coverage of the Duke’s death, others were confused at the decision.

A Channel 4 spokesperson told Metro.co.uk in a statement: ‘Like many people around the UK and the world we were saddened to hear of the death of His Royal Highness, Prince Philip.

‘We moved swiftly to a live news special as the news was announced earlier today; we broadcast a special programme looking back at the life of the Duke of Edinburgh at 4pm this afternoon; and we will broadcast a 90-minute extended Channel 4 News special from 7pm this evening.

‘We will also be airing a number of documentaries about the life of Prince Philip and extended news bulletins over the weekend.

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Today on Channel 4 we broadcast a 30 minute news special shortly after the Duke of Edinburgh’s death was announced; an in-depth obituary at 4pm and there’ll be an extended @Channel4News at 7. C4 also has a duty to offer an alternative to other channels hence a return to schedule.

— Louisa Compton (@louisa_compton) April 9, 2021

‘As an alternative public service broadcaster Channel 4 also has a duty to offer an alternative to others and, whilst we have marked this sad news appropriately in our schedules and on All 4, we will also continue to offer viewers the majority of our usual peak time schedule including Gogglebox and The Circle tonight.’

Some other channels have cleared their schedules, including the BBC, which has postponed the MasterChef final, which was set to air tonight.

In a statement, a BBC spokesperson said: ‘With the sad news that HRH Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh, has died, there is now special coverage across all BBC networks to mark his life of extraordinary public service and planned scheduling has been suspended.’

ITV is airing a special news programme in tribute to Prince Philip, which is understood will continue until 6pm tonight.

In a statement, the broadcaster explained: ‘ITV News will broadcast continuous coverage throughout the afternoon, celebrating Prince Philip’s life, his unique contribution to British history, and looking back at his decades of service to the Queen and the country’.

Programmes include a specially commissioned film, Prince Philip: Duke Of Edinburgh, featuring ‘personal testimony’ and ‘rich archive content’ and a documentary special, Prince Philip: A Royal Life.

Buckingham Palace announced the Duke of Edinburgh’s death in a statement on April 9.

It read: ‘It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen has announced the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

‘His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle.’

Prince Philip was the longest-reigning consort in British history.

The Duke had recently been treated at King Edward VII Hospital and St Bartholomew’s Hospital.

He initially received care for an infection but then underwent heart surgery for a pre-existing condition.

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