Global iPlayer to Close

The global version of the BBC iPlayer is to close next month.

The service, which allows viewers outside the UK to watch BBC programmes, including Doctor Who, for a subscription fee, will cease on 26 June.

The service was available in Western Europe, Australia and Canada, although it never launched in the United States due to conflicts with some Pay TV channels which carry BBC America.

Some of the BBC's best known programmes, including Top Gear and Sherlock were available along with archive shows such as Gavin and Stacey, Fawlty Towers, Planet Earth and classic episodes of Doctor Who.

The closure was expected after BBC Worldwide announced in 2013 it intended to pull support for the Global iPlayer, saying it would instead focus on making material available via the BBC.com website. Users have been notified of the switch-off, and auto-renewing subscriptions are being cancelled.

BBC Worldwide issued a statement today via their website