Jana Bennett, director of television at the BBC, said it was a "significant step" in offering audiences greater value in a changing television world.

She added: "It is one of a number of pilots that BBC Television will be undertaking over the next few months, exploiting the opportunities that new technologies offer to look at how programmes might be delivered beyond the traditional linear broadcast."

All episodes will be available to view for up to seven days after the final programme of the series transmits on BBC Three.

Stuart Murphy, controller of BBC Three, said: "It's a natural progression for us to make our programmes available on broadband. "More and more homes are getting connected as there are now over six million broadband subscribers in the UK. "Crucially, it can deliver a television experience whenever people want it."