ITV set to launch NEW streaming service this year to rival Netflix and Amazon Prime

ITV is launching a new streaming service with a brand new TV show launching every week.

The TV channel will attempt to take on online giants such as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video with ITVX.

It will be free to watch with adverts, or you can pay for a subscription to stream programmes ad-free.

The new service will replace ITV Hub and will more than double the amount of free content available, the channel said.

It hasn't said when the service will launch but it is expected to be later this year.

Carolyn McCall, ITV’s chief executive said: "ITVX will be a free service supported by adverts, with a compelling subscription proposition. 

"This is fantastic for viewers -  it will provide a simplified and seamless experience with thousands of hours of free content made up of both library and original exclusive content. 

"The subscription tier will provide a premium offering and includes all of the content ad-free as well as BritBox and future subscription video on demand content partners."

How will ITVX compare to existing streaming services?

The cost of a subscription hasn't been announced yet and will be revealed later in 2022.

The monthly fee for an ITV Hub+ membership, which allows members to watch without commercials, costs £3.99.

Subscribers will also get access to the boxsets available on Britbox, which currently charges £5.99 a month.

Channel 4 also currently charges £3.99 a month for its ad-free membership, while licence fee payers can watch BBC iPlayer with no extra charge.

Streaming only service Netflix costs between £5.99 and £13.99 a month, while Amazon Prime Video is £7.99.

What will I be able to watch on ITVX?

As well as programmes exclusive to the streaming service, it will also show all ITV programmes as soon as they're aired on television.

Viewers will get access to 20 new themed channels including True Crime, 90s Favourites and The Chase.

The line-up of exclusive shows so far includes A Spy Among Friends starring Damian Lewis and Nolly, featuring Helena Bonham Carter.

Other programmes include Lenny Henry's drama The Little Birds and Litvinenko starring David Tenant.

There will be new comedy including a feature-film finale of Plebs and documentaries such as The Case Against Cosby and A Year on Planet Earth.

ITV said it has plans to stream 500 films in its first year, as well as showing popular US TV series.

TV subscription services are upping their prices as the cost of living rises.

Disney+ customers are paying almost £20 a year more after the price increased from £59.99 to £79.90.

Sky is upping fees for its TV and broadband packages, with the average customer paying an extra £3.60 a month from April.

That amounts to a £43 a year increase.