BBC fans heartbroken as beloved show axed from streaming service after 47 years

After a staggering 47-years on screen, the beloved sitcom Dad's Army has mysteriously vanished from the streaming service NOW TV, prompting its legion of fans to express their dismay.

Synonymous with British comedy, Dad's Army recounts the antics of the elderly Home Guard volunteers in Walmington-on-Sea during WWII. Launching in 1968 and wrapping up in 1977, the production broadcasted over 80 episodes, securing its status as a television favourite with an average of 18 million viewers tuning in regularly.

Fans took to social media to voice their grievances, with one Reddit user lamenting: "Dad's Army now gone from Now TV. Pity." Another chimed in with a bit of treasure hunting advice: "Looks like it's on ITVX premium, not worth paying for that. Luckily you can get the complete collection on DVD for under £10 in good condition," reports .

And providing a workaround tactic, another sharp viewer pointed out: "All episodes are on YouTube. Sometimes you need to watch Dutch subtitles, but who cares! It makes it more fun."

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have contacted a representative for the BBC, in hope of obtaining further comment on the situation.

Dad's Army showcased an unforgettable ensemble, with iconic characters such as the bumbling Private Pike played by Ian Lavender, Clive Dunn's Lance Corporal Jones, Captain George Mainwaring portrayed by Arthur Lowe, Arnold Ridley as the gentle Private Charles Godfrey, John Laurie's dour Private Frazer, and Sergeant Arthur Wilson, brought to life by John Le Mesurier.

February of this year marked the death of Ian, the last of the illustrious cast members. News of his departure was shared solemnly on Dad's Army's official channels, where they honoured his contribution to the series.

Ian joined the ranks of the Dad's Army troupe at the tender age of 22, cementing his role in comedic history back in 1968. Dad's Army was transformed into a film in 1971, featuring the original TV cast.

The show was revived for a new generation in 2016, with Toby Jones taking on the role of Captain Mainwaring and Bill Nighy portraying Sergeant Wilson.

Meanwhile, Dad's Army also splashed the press last month after revealed he'd been sacked from the programme - which was news to fans. Before hitting peak fame with Only Fools and Horses, Sir David Jason's career didn't go so smoothly.

The 84-year old actor was actually fired from Dad's Army after just a mere three hours of filming. Speaking to the Express about the situation, the actor commented: "I was cast at 12 o'clock and sacked by three."

David thought he'd got his big break when he auditioned for the role of Lance Corporal Jones in Dad's Army. He impressed show creators Jimmy Perry and David Croft, who were keen to sign him up but failed to make an impression on BBC boss Bill Cotton, who hired Clive Dunn instead.