US to get BBC iPlayer

BBC is planning to launch its popular BBC iPlayer catch-up TV service on a global scale, according to its profit-making arm BBC Worldwide.In a move away from the free telly goodies we get here in Blighty, executives at the broadcasting company believe that our US counterparts would be willing to shell out $10 for a dose of popular shows such as the Doctor Who spin-off Torchwood.

Also available to those desperate for a little British nostalgia, the BBC will also offer "premium catalogue material" that would include programmes from the service's archive.

If all goes ahead, we could also see the service play host to other on-demand services such as 4OD and ITV Player, despite plans for the service to be shared in UK quashed earlier in the week.

In an interview with paidcontent Luke Bradley Jones, Head of BBC Worldwide’s digital operations in the US and managing director of BBC.com commented, "Millions of people love Torchwood and would probably pay 10 bucks an episode rather than two bucks" which is the current offering on iTunes.

However, for the global iPlayer to happen, BBC Worldwide would need to get the green light from the BBC Trust and prove that they'd make a shed-load of money from BBC.com's 20 million registered American users.