Beeb on the box: BBC iPlayer coming to Xbox Live today

Microsoft's announced it'll launch BBC iPlayer onto Xbox Live today in the UK.

The catchup service had been long rumoured to come to 360, but was held back due to past issues related to Live's subs fee and the BBC licence fee.

"Xbox is hugely successful in the UK," said BBC on-demand boss Daniel Danker. "Given the BBC’s goal to reach its entire audience, I’m particularly excited that the BBC will be bringing iPlayer to all Xbox users at no extra cost as part of Xbox Live’s free membership."

The inclusion of iPlayer, which will be available to 360 owners by the end of play today in the UK, will mean BBC programes like Top Gear, Doctor Who and Eastenders will be available to Gold and Free subs.

It also has Kinect support and has HD output.

"We are delighted that BBC iPlayer is now available on Xbox Live. Xbox 360 was the best-selling console in the UK and globally last year, while Xbox Live is one of the UK’s leading comprehensive VOD entertainment services on TVs," said Xbox UK boss Stephen McGIll.

"The addition of BBC iPlayer takes the service to the next level. We offer a formidable line-up of the best TV and entertainment – both live and on-demand - from providers such as Sky, Channel 4, Channel 5, Netflix, LOVEFiLM, Blinkbox, MSN, YouTube and many others."