A LONG-RUNNING BBC iPlayer app will stop working for good in a matter of days.

The move spells misery for telly fans who rely on a laptop to download their favourite shows offline.

People can continue to download on iOS and Android iPlayer apps

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People can continue to download on iOS and Android iPlayer appsCredit: Alamy

And it’s just as Brits contend with a TV Licence price hike today (April 1) jumping to £169.50.

In the latest blow, Beeb bosses have decided to shutdown the iPlayer Download app for PC and Mac.

Which BBC idiot or incompetent committee came up with this decision?

iPlayer user

They explained that the “difficult decision” was made due to “the low number of people using it and the cost required to keep it going”.

But a number of users have come forward on social media sharing their disappointment.

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 “What sort of people do the BBC employ to come up with this idiocy?” one wrote.

The broadcasting giant says the move only affects PC and Mac – mobile and tablet apps for iPlayer will continue to allow downloads.

But that doesn’t appease all users.

“I DO NOT want to peer at a tiny mobile screen with poor sound quality to watch a film/drama/wildlife program, etc, originally produced in HD,” another person fumed.

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“Which BBC idiot or incompetent committee came up with this decision? With this withdrawal of features in mind I will definitely support any move to refuse an increase in the BBC’s licence fee.”

BBC iPlayer Downloads allows viewers to save their favourite shows onto machines so they can watch them later without internet or a Wi-Fi connection.

When do you need a TV Licence?

The feature was particularly useful for those who travel abroad with their laptop, as BBC iPlayer isn’t accessible in other countries.

People can continue to stream programmes on BBC iPlayer from their PC and Mac devices via the website but they can no longer download them on the separate app.

On April 8, the BBC iPlayer Downloads app will close down for good meaning any existing saved shows will not play.

How to cut streaming bills with top FREE TV

Netflix, Disney+ and Amazon Prime don’t come cheap – and year on year subscription costs seem to go up.

Fortunately there are loads of free streaming TV alternatives not everyone knows about.

And we’re not just talking about BBC iPlayer and ITVX.

Here are some free alternatives worth trying:

This post first appeared on Thesun.co.uk

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