The launch means the BBC is the only UK content provider to make its programmes available for free to all Xbox 360 users in the UK. Users will be able to catch up on all the BBC programmes they know and love in a familiar, easy to use BBC iPlayer experience.

Xbox 360 users with Kinect will benefit from enhanced functionality. For the first time it is possible for BBC iPlayer users to discover and play programmes using hand gestures and voice recognition.

The launch on Xbox LIVE today, together with the launch on Sky later this year, will bring the service to millions of new users via the TV and builds on a substantial history of industry partnerships. BBC iPlayer is now on over 450 platforms and devices including Virgin Media, BT Vision, FreeSat, Freeview, Sony PlayStation, Nintendo Wii, and hundreds of mobile phones, tablets, and internet-connected TVs.

Daniel Danker, BBC General Manager, Programmes & On-Demand, said: “Xbox is hugely successful in the UK. Given the BBC’s goal to reach its entire audience, I’m particularly excited that the BBC will be bringing iPlayer to all Xbox users at no extra cost as part of Xbox LIVE’s free membership.”

“As we continue our work to make BBC iPlayer as simple as possible, we’re also excited to experiment with natural user interfaces made possible with Kinect, including voice and gesture control. We believe it’s early days for these experiences, but see a great future working with partners such as Microsoft on innovations like these.”

Stephen McGill, Director of Xbox and Entertainment for Microsoft, said: “We are delighted that BBC iPlayer is now available on Xbox LIVE. Xbox 360 was the best-selling console in the UK and globally last year, while Xbox LIVE is one of the UK’s leading comprehensive VOD entertainment services on TVs. The addition of BBC iPlayer takes the service to the next level. We offer a formidable line-up of the best TV and entertainment – both live and on-demand - from providers such as Sky, Channel 4, Channel 5, Netflix, LOVEFiLM, Blinkbox, MSN, YouTube and many others.

“The way people interact with entertainment content is changing. Xbox LIVE is the only service in the world where you can search, discover and control TV, movies, video and music using voice and gesture via the power and magic of Kinect.”

The BBC has seen 433 million requests on TV* devices in 2011. This means one in four iPlayer requests are on the TV*. At this rate, the BBC projects that by 2015, over 50% of requests will be via TV* devices.

For BBC iPlayer on Xbox LIVE assets please use the following link: BBC iPlayer Assets.zip

* TV devices include Virgin Media plus other services capable of delivering BBC iPlayer direct to TVs, including IPTV platforms such as BT Vision, connected “Smart TVs” and connected set-top boxes, such as Freeview HD, Freesat HD, games consoles and some Blu-Ray players.

About BBC iPlayer

Launching on December 2007 as a simple catch-up website, BBC iPlayer has helped pioneer TV on demand by offering audiences the opportunity to watch selected TV programmes for up to 7 days after broadcast.

BBC iPlayer has since evolved, adding more TV programmes; including entire series and films, radio programmes, live TV channels & radio station, programme downloads for offline viewing and personalisation features such as Favourites and recommendations.

Variants of BBC iPlayer optimised for smartphones, tablets and connected TVs are also available, allowing audiences to catch-up or watch live wherever they are and on whatever device – offering access on the move over 3G and WiFi , or simple & convenient access via broadband on the living room TV.

Alex Jones and Steve Jones host the live final, as viewers vote for who they want to win the coveted twinkle-toed champion of the dance floor title. Over the past four weeks, 20 celebrity acts have been performing iconic dance routines, from Tina Turner’s Proud Mary to Lady GaGa & Beyoncé’s Telephone, in a bid to impress the judges and viewers, and win a place in the final.

This week the finalists will have to go all out to wow the viewers as the winner will be crowned based on the viewers’ phone votes alone. The panel of Paddy McGuinness, Rhod Gilbert and Frank Skinner will be on hand to offer their opinions on all of the performances.

Last year Emmerdale’s James Thornton and comedian Charlie Baker stole the show with their unforgettable Putting on the Ritz tap routine - but who will dance their way to victory and take the crown this year?

Let's Dance For Sport Relief is simulcast on BBC One and BBC One HD.

The artists are selected, mentored, and trained by four of the most successful figures in the music industry: Jessie J, will.i.am, Danny O’Donoghue and Sir Tom Jones. After selecting their favourite artists at the blind auditions, the coaches develop them through the remaining stages until one artist is named 'The Voice UK'.

The Voice was created and first produced in Holland by media entrepreneur John de Mol’s company Talpa.

The full media pack is available as a pdf here (inc contact details)

Engelbert calls for Britain to get behind him as he flies the flag for the nation this May at the 57th Eurovision Song Contest in Baku, Azerbaijan in front of an estimated 120 million viewers worldwide. The song he will be performing (to be announced) will be recorded in London, Los Angeles and Nashville. It will be produced by Grammy award-winning Martin Terefe (James Morrison, KT Tunstall, Mary J Blige) and written by Martin Terefe and Ivor Novello winning Sacha Skarbek (Adele, James Blunt co-writer ‘You’re Beautiful’, Lana Del Rey)

In an illustrious career spanning over 45 years, Britain’s own Engelbert Humperdinck has sold over 150 million records worldwide, received four Grammy nominations, a Golden Globe for Entertainer of the Year, 63 gold and 24 platinum records and is one of only a handful of artists with a star on both the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the Las Vegas Walk of Fame. To this day, Engelbert has remained a global star, he is often on the road and in the past year alone he has performed in major venues in the UK, Russia, Netherlands, Belgium, Romania and Israel.

Katie Taylor, BBC Head of Entertainment and Events, says: "Not since the 70s have we had such an established international musical legend represent the nation. We couldn't be more delighted. Engelbert's experience leaves us in no doubt that he will be able to deliver a standout performance in front of 120 million viewers worldwide."

Derek McLean, BBC Creative Director Entertainment, says: “Engelbert has an incredible musical history and heritage, especially in the UK and Europe. He’s working with some of the best people in music to come up with the UK’s song for this year’s Eurovision. We’re very proud to have him on board.”

Engelbert Humperdinck added “It’s an absolute honour to be representing my country for this year’s Eurovision Song Contest. When the BBC approached me, it just felt right for me to be a part of an institution like Eurovision. I’m excited and raring to go and want the nation to get behind me!”

The Eurovision Song Competition will take place on Saturday, 26 May in Baku, Azerbaijan, broadcast live on BBC One, with commentary by Graham Norton.

Watch Englebert Humperdinck perform his classic hit 'Release Me' below:

Members of the public still have until 23:59 hrs GMT, this Friday (2 March) to apply to enter the ballot for a pair of free tickets to the concert, by visiting the BBC's Diamond Jubilee website.

This historic concert, a celebration of The Queen’s 60-year reign through music, will be attended by Her Majesty The Queen, His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh and other Members of the Royal Family.

Kylie Minogue said: “I’m honoured to be invited to perform at The Diamond Jubilee Concert. To share the stage in front of Buckingham Palace with music legends including Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder, Tom Jones and Elton John in celebrating the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee is very exciting.”

Stevie Wonder said: “It’s an honour to celebrate The Queen. It’s an honour to celebrate Great Britain. The time is overdue that I meet Her Majesty.”

Staged in the stunning surroundings of the Queen Victoria Memorial in front of Buckingham Palace, the BBC and Gary Barlow have brought together leading talent from the world of music, and other acts already announced are (in alphabetical order) Shirley Bassey, Alfie Boe, Jools Holland, Jessie J, JLS, Elton John, Tom Jones, Lang Lang, Annie Lennox, Madness, Paul McCartney, Cliff Richard and Ed Sheeran.

The unique concert stage has been designed by world-renowned architect Mark Fisher, and it will make full use of the historic backdrop with spectacular lighting and projections.

Those chosen by the ballot will be invited to attend both the concert and a Jubilee Picnic in the Buckingham Palace Garden. These “Diamond Ticket” invitations will be allocated according to the broad spread of the population around the UK.

The concert will be broadcast live on BBC One, BBC One HD and on BBC Radio 2 in the UK and to millions around the world, including by ABC exclusively in America who will show highlights of the concert the next day.