BBC releases box sets for Christmas

The BBC is placing a raft of box sets and classic episodes on its iplayer service over Christmas as part of plans to compete against giants such as Netflix and Amazon.

Eastenders fans will be able to watch the hit soap’s past Christmas specials, including Den serving Angie with divorce papers in 1986 and Tiffany’s death in 1998.

Doctor Who lovers will be able to see every regeneration episode from the sci-fi show from 2005 onwards.

The announcement comes after the BBC signalled it would be putting iplayer at the centre of its future broadcasting plans.

It is the first time the corporation has put its box sets on iplayer on such a large scale.

Shows available from 16 December will include the first three series of Peaky Blinders, with the latest series of the gang drama currently on air. Other box sets include hit series Taboo, starring Tom Hardy, drama Wolf Hall, all four series of Line Of Duty and both series of Happy Valley, starring Sarah Lancashire.

Series three and four of Sherlock, as well as 2016’s special The Abominable Bride, will also be available.

The full series of The Blue Planet, which was first broadcast in 2001, and last year’s Planet Earth II are also going on iplayer.

BBC director-general Tony Hall has said he wants to “reinvent the BBC for a new generation”.