Milkshake!
British pre-school block on Channel 5 since 1997.
Milkshake! (written as milkshake!) is a British children's television programming block that airs on Channel 5. It first went on air in 1997 and is now intended for children between the ages of two and seven. The block usually runs from early in the morning until late morning. Its lineup includes both original UK series and shows brought in from Australia, Canada, and the United States. Over time, Milkshake! has featured well-known programmes like Peppa Pig, Thomas & Friends, and Fireman Sam. The block has been produced by different organisations, including Channel 5, and in the past by the BBC and Fremantle. It remains an important part of Channel 5’s children’s output.
The block started on Channel 5 on 31 March 1997. It now airs on weekdays from 5:40am to 9:15am, and on weekends from 5:40am to 9:55am (9:50am on Sundays). Milkshake! has several presenters and a variety of children’s shows. From 1997 to 2002, and again from 2007 to 2016, a spin-off block called Shake! aired programmes for older children on weekends after Milkshake!. After Viacom bought Channel 5 in 2014, the block started showing Nick Jr. programmes such as Paw Patrol, Blaze and the Monster Machines, and Shimmer and Shine. On 6 July 2017, Channel 5 announced a rebrand of Milkshake! that launched on 24 July, featuring updated branding, a new studio, and a YouTube channel with digital content related to the block.
In November 2008, Channel 5 planned to launch a new children’s channel based on the preschool block, in response to the BBC’s CBBC and CBeebies (launched in 2002) and ITV’s CITV (launched in 2006). However, these plans were put on hold while the broadcaster waited for a buyer. When Five Life launched in 2006, Milkshake! aired on that channel from 9am to 1pm each day. By April 2011, the channel had reduced its hours and the block was replaced by teleshopping. On 21 August 2017, Milkshake! returned on 5Star, airing from 9:15am to 11am, before being removed again in 2018. A Milkshake! branded FAST channel is available on the 5 streaming service, and it later launched on Freely in July 2024.
Current programming includes shows from Nick Jr.
Quick Facts
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Language
- English
- Headquarters
- London
- Parent
- Paramount Networks UK & Australia
- Channel
- 5 / 5Star (2006–2011, 2017–2018) / 5 (streaming service)
- Sister
- 5 · 5Star · 5USA · 5Select · 5Action
- Premiered
- 31 March 1997
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Milkshake! debuted on Channel 5 on 31 March 1997. The original presenters were Lucy Alexander and Eddie Mathews. Konnie Huq joined later in 1998 and left in 2003 to join Blue Peter. The longest-serving presenter is Kemi Majeks, who joined the block in 2007 and has presented for over 17 years as of 2024. Relief presenters have included Ellie Harrison and deaf presenter Gary Evans.
Following Viacom's acquisition of Channel 5 in 2014, the block began airing Nick Jr. programmes such as Paw Patrol, Blaze and the Monster Machines, and Shimmer and Shine. On 6 July 2017, Channel 5 announced a rebranding that launched on 24 July, including updated branding, a new studio, and a YouTube channel.
A spin-off block called Shake! ran for older children from 1997 to 2002 and again from 2007 to 2016. Milkshake!
Reader's Guide
Milkshake! has been a consistent part of Channel 5's children's programming since 1997, providing a daily block of pre-school content. Its significance lies in its longevity and its role as a platform for both original UK series and imported shows from Australia, Canada, and the United States. The block has included popular programmes such as Peppa Pig, Thomas & Friends, and Fireman Sam. After Viacom's acquisition of Channel 5 in 2014, Milkshake! integrated Nick Jr. properties, expanding its reach. The block's rebranding in 2017 and launch of a FAST channel in the 2020s demonstrate its adaptation to digital platforms. Milkshake! has also employed in-vision continuity presenters, with Kemi Majeks serving as the longest-running host. The block's history includes a spin-off, Shake!, and temporary broadcasts on other channels, reflecting its evolution within the changing landscape of children's television.
Did You Know?
- Milkshake! originally launched on 31 March 1997.
- The longest-serving presenter is Kemi Majeks, who has presented for over 26 years.
- A Milkshake! branded FAST channel launched on Freely in July 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Milkshake!?
Milkshake! is a dedicated children's television programming block that has been airing on Channel 5 in the United Kingdom since 1997. It occupies a morning slot and is specifically designed for very young viewers.
When did Milkshake! first go on air?
The block launched on 31 March 1997 on Channel 5. It has remained a staple of UK breakfast television for nearly three decades.
What age group is Milkshake! aimed at?
The programming block targets children between the ages of two and seven. Its schedule typically runs from early morning through to late morning.
What shows does Milkshake! feature?
The block carries a mix of original UK productions alongside imported series from Australia, Canada, and the United States. Well-known titles that have been part of its lineup include Peppa Pig, Thomas & Friends, and Fireman Sam.
Who produces Milkshake!?
Production of the block has shifted between different organisations over the years, including Channel 5 itself and the BBC. This has meant the block's identity and scheduling have evolved since its 1997 launch.
More in Breakfast television in the United Kingdom 1-24
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