Channel 4 has wished the BBC a happy birthday in a hilarious post as the broadcaster kicks off its centenary celebrations. 

The BBC marks its centenary on October 18, 100 years on from when it was founded in 1922 under its original name, British Broadcasting Company.

The rival channel took to social media to share the birthday post on Tuesday with the post gaining over 25,000 likes in a matter of hours.

The public broadcaster wrote: "Happy Birthday @BBC on your 100th birthday! When you were founded we had a King, no one knew if they could afford to put their heating on and we'd just lived through a global pandemic. Times really do change!"

Social media was quick to react with many people taking to share their thoughts in the comments.

One user posted:" Damn Channel 4 went off."

Another fan added:" Loving the shade from CH4. Happy 100 Birthday @BBC."

A third viewer chimed in: "Happy birthday BBC and bravo on the shade Channel 4, both legends."

A fourth wrote:" Whoever manages this account deserves an award."

BBC unveils 100th anniversary TV schedule including Doctor Who and Strictly

The birthday post comes as the BBC unveiled its full centenary TV schedule for the next week.

The programming will feature family favourites like Doctor Who and Strictly Come Dancing alongside feature-length documentaries and special episodes of familiar programmes. 

READ MORE: Strictly dancers to perform to BBC theme tunes in 100 year special

READ MORE: Doctor Who: The Power of the Doctor release date revealed by BBC

James Stirling, BBC 100 Executive Editor said: "During our special week of BBC 100 content, audiences can look forward to a mix of exciting new commissions alongside some of our best-loved shows, as they mark a century of broadcasting in their own unique way.

"There really is something for everyone and we’re looking forward to sharing this moment with audiences across the UK and beyond."

You can see more details of the BBC100's TV schedule here.