Viewers who want to see the National Lottery draw live will have to watch it on BBC iPlayer from early in 2017
National Lottery players will need to check iPlayer to find out whether they have become millionaires as the live draw is being pulled from BBC1.
As of January 7, 2017 viewers of terrestrial television will no longer be able to watch to see if their numbers come up – a new three-year deal between the broadcaster and Lotto operator Camelot has moved the show to a digital platform on Saturday nights.
Those hoping to win the jackpot can also check their results in bulletins to be screened after the news on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, as well as on the Red Button and Red Button+.
Saturday night’s draw has been a regular slot on BBC1 since 1994, although the Wednesday live results programme was dropped in 2012.
Camelot’s digital director Tim Copper said of the move to iPlayer: “We’re delighted to have signed this contract extension, maintaining the strong relationship that has flourished between The National Lottery and the BBC since The National Lottery’s launch 22 years ago.
“As consumer habits show an unrelenting shift towards digital platforms, we’re embracing these changes in players’ results-checking habits – providing content that they can access at all times, across multiple different touch-points.
“But it’s also great that we can continue to provide a service to those loyal BBC1 viewers who want their lottery results available at a regular time as they enjoy their favourite BBC shows. This new deal will allow us to do both.”
Director of BBC content Charlotte Moore said: “This new deal reaffirms the BBC’s commitment to The National Lottery and our ongoing relationship with Camelot.
“We both recognise the need to provide audiences with more ways to access the draw results across a range of platforms that reflect changing behaviour, while importantly retaining a home on BBC One and continuing our support for the tremendous work they do through the Annual Awards show.”
The contract extension, which starts from January 2017, will keep The National Lottery Awards on BBC1.
Now in their 13th year, the National Lottery Stars Awards recognise recipients of National Lottery Good Causes funding for the positive impact they have had on individuals and communities around the UK.
