BBC extends iPlayer catch-up time from 7 to 30 days

Peaky Blinders and The Fall are expected to be in high demand on the service

Shows on iPlayer will now be available for 30 days instead of seven (BBC)

Fans of BBC shows will now have longer to catch-up with missed episodes on iPlayer.

The BBC has extended the number of days programmes will be available on its on-demand service from seven to 30 days after the show’s initial broadcast.

The plan was announced by the BBC in April but has been put into effect today in time for the autumn schedule, typically one of the most popular times of the year for TV viewing.

Dramas such as Peaky Blinders and The Fall are expected to be among the most popular shows for iPlayer users.

The new increased catch-up time will also allow a longer time period for Great British Bake Off and Strictly Come Dancing fans to catch up on the latest episodes.

The most popular show on iPlayer this year was the first episode of series three of Sherlock, which attracted 3.6 million requests.

Top Gear was the most popular iPlayer show in 2013. The service received a record 3 billion requests last year, up 33 per cent on 2012.

Tony Hall, director general at the BBC, said: “BBC iPlayer pioneered online viewing. It is recognised as not just the first, but the best service of its type in the world. It offers amazing value. But we want to go further.

“That's why we began reinventing iPlayer earlier this year with a brand new redesign and features. Extending the catch-up window to 30 days now makes the best value on-demand service even better.”

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