BBC boosts iPlayer box setsMarch 19, 2020 11.14 Europe/London By Julian Clover A number of box sets are being brought back to the BBC iPlayer, starting with all ten series of spy drama Spooks.The BAFTA-winning series made its debut in 2002 and followed a fictional division of MI5 in a race against time. The cast list that included Keeley Hawes, Matthew MacFayden, David Oyelowo, Nicola Walker, Rupert Penry-Jones, Hermione Norris and Richard Armitage were often uncredited.Other shows returning to the iPlayer include French and Saunders, Waking the Dead, The Honourable Woman starring Maggie Gyllenhall, and Wallander, starring Kenneth Branagh.Dan McGolpin, controller of programming and BBC iPlayer, says: “BBC iPlayer is playing a vital role in these unprecedented times, not only allowing people to catch up on the latest news but also giving them a place to escape into a great series of their choice. We’re delighted to add to the rich mix that is already on offer with the complete series of Spooks, French and Saunders, The Honourable Woman, Wallander and more. This complements other recent additions like Line of Duty, Torchwood, Years and Years and The Cry.”Meanwhile, the BBC’s hasn’t ruled out another delay to the end of the free licence fee for over 75s.The universal benefit was initially due to end on June 1, but was moved to August because of Coronavirus.Lord Hall has said the BBC will keep any further decision “under review”.