BBC Three online-only move delayed until 2016 as fans await final verdict on channel's future

The BBC's controversial plans have angered some 16-34-year-old viewers

James Corden in 'Gavin & Stacey' (BBC) (BBC)

BBC Three has some broadcast life left it in yet, with its move to online-only delayed until 2016.

Governing body the BBC Trust is busy making a final decision on the plans, which have angered some fans who regularly watch shows aimed at 16-34 year-olds on the channel.

It was announced in March last year that BBC Three would only be available on iPlayer from autumn 2015, but some proposals still need to be approved, hence the push-back.

“Once we have the Trust’s final decision, we’ll start doing more online and in social, building up to a move online-only after Christmas,” BBC Three controller Danny Kavanagh told Broadcast magazine.

“You simple can’t turn around something as groundbreaking as this overnight. We won’t be rushed. We will do what’s right for our fans, not to satisfy deadlines.”

The BBC Trust’s verdict on BBC Three’s future is expected in June. Licence fee payers have had their say on the BBC’s proposals, which include creating content based on “two key editorial pillars”, Make Me Laugh and Make Me Think.

An online-only BBC Three will “allow the use of new forms and formats and different durations”, according to the corporation.

Big BBC Three hits since it first launched in 2003 have included The Mighty Boosh, Being Human, Little Britain and Gavin & Stacey.

BBC director general Tony Hall insists the online-only move would put BBC Three at the heart of the “online revolution” but many celebrities including comedian Jack Whitehall, Radio One DJ Greg James and presenter Rick Edwards have opposed the plans.