The BBC has finally rolled out the global version of its very popular video-on-demand service iPlayer, allowing people outside the UK to watch programmes such as Doctor Who, Fawlty Towers and Blue Planet.

The new app, which has been developed by BBC’s commercial arm, the BBC Worldwide, has been made available across 11 European countries Ireland, Belgium, Germany and Spain. The US and Canada will get the service later this year.

Apart from shows programmes like Doctor Who, users will also be able to watch news and cultural programs. In addition, there will be children-centric shows. Overall, there will be around 1,500 hours of content in the app.

President Jana Bennett, of BBC Worldwide networks & Global iPlayer, described the new app as a “unique and different product”.

Speaking on the app, Ms Bennett said, “It’s a different proposition and a very different business model aimed at the international market. The content is different, the underlying technology is different and so is the consumer and market need we’re addressing.”

The new app can be downloaded from Apple’s iTunes store for free; however, the service will cost €6.99 a month or €49.99 a year.