BBC One Daytime series Moving on is to become the first drama series to premier on the BBC iPlayer.
Although broadcast in the afternoons, Moving On was created by the EMMY and multi-BAFTA winning writer Jimmy McGovern. The five standalone films have been able to attract considerable acting talent including Jo Joyner (EastEnders, No Angels), Lee Ingleby (Inspector George Gently, White Heat), Duncan Preston (Acorn Antiques, Love and Marriage) and Ray Fearon (Harry Potter, Silk).
It is also significant that the series is drawn from BBC One, Britain’s most watched channel. Previous shows have been earmarked for BBC Three.
The series premiere on BBC iPlayer is part of the BBC Trust’s approved trial to explore the role of online premiering across a range of genres and channels.
Victoria Jaye, Head of TV Content, BBC iPlayer said: “We couldn’t be more delighted that Jimmy McGovern’s Moving On will be the first drama series to premiere on BBC iPlayer, in its entirety. As an established drama in the Daytime schedule, the series premiere on BBC iPlayer will be both a gift to loyal viewers and an unprecedented opportunity for a wider audience to enjoy these five stand-alone films across multiple devices, and at a time that suits them. Over the last year, there has been 43% growth in BBC iPlayer usage across mobile and tablet – with Drama programmes driving almost a third of total viewing.”
Moving On explores contemporary issues, from compulsive shoplifting and alopecia to sibling rivalry, family secrets and acrimonious divorce – all linked by the common theme of characters who reach a turning point in life and then move on.