The BBC has announced that it plans to make full boxsets of more iconic comedy series available on iPlayer.

The on-demand service has been steadily adding more boxsets to its lineup this year following a surge in viewing caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

From today, every episode of Dawn French's The Vicar of Dibley, family sitcom The Royle Family and sketch show The Catherine Tate Show are available on iPlayer.

Gimme Gimme Gimme, the acclaimed turn-of-the-century sitcom starring James Dreyfus and Kathy Burke, will be added on November 12, with Rowan Atkinson's Blackadder following on November 14.

"On BBC iPlayer you can enjoy some of the best comedies ever alongside many fantastic new series," said iPlayer controller Dan McGolpin.

"You'll now be able to put your feet up and relax in the company of Geraldine Granger, Jim Royle, Lauren Cooper and Baldrick.

"Whoever you are, there's a comedy for you with a bigger selection than ever before on BBC iPlayer."

Other comedy boxsets already available on iPlayer include The Young Offenders, Absolutely Fabulous, The Kumars At No 42 and Gavin & Stacey.