The BBC's iPlayer is now available on the Nintendo Wii, allowing users to stream BBC programmes direct to their TVs via the console.

The announcement came during a keynote speech by Erik Huggers, group controller for Future Media and Technology for the BBC, at the annual MipTV-Milia conference in Cannes.

"Working with Nintendo marks another exciting milestone for BBC iPlayer," said Huggers.

"The BBC's catch-up TV service can now be accessed on an increasing number of different platforms from the web and portable devices to gaming consoles. It will shortly be available on TV."

Wii owners can access the iPlayer service via the Internet Channel on the Wii's main menu, by navigating to the iPlayer website and searching for the programme they want to watch.

David Yarnton, general manager of Nintendo UK, said: "BBC iPlayer on Wii will offer Wii owners another reason to turn on their console everyday."