BBC viewers 'disappointed' after popular iPlayer feature has finally been removed

No matter what you actually think of the BBC, you can't deny that it's one of the biggest broadcasters in the world.

Bringing us the likes of Line of Duty, Sherlock, and even Mrs Brown's Boys, it has something for everyone, entertaining millions every day.

And one of the reasons it's able to do so is thanks to the iPlayer, which allows people to watch all their favourite shows on demand, whenever they want.

But users of its services have been up in arms after it was revealed the Beeb was axing one of its best loved features.

If you're a fan of binging Line of Duty from your laptop on the train, this one might hurt.

Earlier this year, it was announced that viewers would no longer be able to download their favourite shows on PC or Mac.

A statement on the BBC's website read: "We have made the difficult decision to close the BBC iPlayer Downloads application for PC and Mac, due to the low number of people using it and the cost required to keep it going.

BBC

"This does not affect downloads on the BBC iPlayer mobile or tablet apps, and viewers can continue to stream programmes on BBC iPlayer on their PCs and Macs."

Well, the time has come.

According to the BBC, the process to wind down the download feature on computers began on 2 February, with new users unable to install the download app.

And last month, it prevented people from downloading any programmes from the web.

The move has not gone down well with customers, who have slammed the BBC for removing one of its best loved features.

Making their feelings known about the decision, one user said: "I DO NOT want to peer at a tiny mobile screen with poor sound quality to watch a film/drama/wildlife program, etc, originally produced in HD.

BBC

A second said: "With this withdrawal of features in mind I will definitely support any move to refuse an increase in the BBC’s licence fee."

Another commented: "What the f**k? Why is BBC iPlayer stopping downloads from 11 March?

"How are we supposed to watch a film when we are on the train? No way you can stream it."

There is some good news, though; if you've already downloaded some shows from iPlayer, you've got a few more days to enjoy them, with the feature becoming completely redundant on Monday 8 April.

So there's that, at least.

Topics: UK News, BBC, Entertainment, TV and Film

Dominic Smithers

Dominic Smithers is LADbible's Editorial Lead. After graduating from the University of Leeds with a degree in French and History, he went on to write for the Manchester Evening News, the Accrington Observer and the Macclesfield Express. So as you can imagine, he’s spent many a night wondering just how useful that second language has been. But c'est la vie.

@SmithersDom