Tess Daly to launch Granada TV switchover

Digital UK has announced that Tess Daly will host a live show tonight in the North West to mark the start of the Granada TV digital switchover.

Shortly after midnight on November 4, analogue BBC Two will be switched off at the Winter Hill transmitter and its 70 local transmitters covering households in five major cities, including Manchester and Liverpool.

Ahead of the switchover, Strictly Come Dancing host Daly will unveil a light-and-sound display in Manchester depicting the history of television.

The display will be projected across Exchange Square in the city onto the exterior of the Urbis building, which will be transformed into a tower of light and sound.

Comprising over 100 pieces of film - including some of the earliest ever TV recordings - the presentation will reach a climax as 700 TV screens rise up across Urbis as the building is bathed in switchover pink.

"After switchover, TV in the North West will be strictly digital," said Daly. "It's great news because it means more channels and more choice for everyone. Whatever your favourite show, make sure you're ready for digital so you can keep watching."

Following the transition, around half a million viewers in the North West will gain access to the Freeview platform for the first time ever.

However, terrestrial TV services will be off air for some viewers until late afternoon on Wednesday. Freeview, BT Vision and Top Up TV users will then have to retune their equipment after the service comes back on air.

Digital UK regional manager Jo Waters said: "Almost half a million viewers in the North West will be able to get digital TV through their aerial for the first time on Wednesday.

"But even if you've had Freeview for a while, remember to retune your TVs and boxes when the signal comes back on."

Over 30 advice points have been launched across the North West to offer face-to-face support for anyone struggling to access TV services during the switchover.