BBC programmes to be shown on Xbox Live?

'Planet Earth' / BBC

Xbox Live users could soon watch BBC programmes via their console after Microsoft revealed it is in discussions with the broadcaster.

Senior director for media at Microsoft Ross Honey confirmed the firm has spoken with the BBC and several other European media companies.

“We are working diligently on multiple fronts to make it happen,” Honey said. “The BBC is a great content provider.

"Microsoft was attracted to the BBC’s library of content and to high-definition programmes such as Planet Earth."

The move follows a deal between the BBC and Microsoft in 2006, when the pair signed an agreement to explore ways of developing its digital services.