Speaking in Cannes this week, Future Media boss Erik Huggers reveals that the BBC's iPlayer service will soon be available via the console.

The service will allow Wii users to stream their favourite BBC programmes directly to their TVs.

"Working with Nintendo marks another exciting milestone for BBC iPlayer. It underlines our commitment to reaching new audiences by making BBC iPlayer available on as many platforms as possible," beamed 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."

UK Wii users are promised a message once the service is live, with access being provided through the Wii internet channel.

"This exciting alliance with the BBC is yet another way in which Nintendo is looking to broaden the market for its products by offering compelling and relevant content to families. BBC iPlayer on Wii will offer Wii owners another reason to turn their console on everyday and adds to the already established non gaming content on Wii that includes news and weather channels and an internet browser," added Nintendo's David Yarnton.

More on this exciting news as we get it.

This news is taken from our sister site tech.tm.

By Luke Guttridge