The Xbox Kinect is to blame for the delay in the release of BBC iPlayer on the Xbox One, claims an unnamed BBC programmer.

The claim, reported by gaming site Ultimate Gaming Paradise, describes the integration of Microsoft’s enhanced Kinect motion sensor as the major issue holding back the release of the iPlayer app on Microsoft’s new console.

“We can’t seem to get it working; it [the Kinect sensor] is causing a major development headache for the team,” said the unnamed member of the BBC’s iPlayer development team who did not divulge the exact cause of the issue.

The BBC iPlayer was initially expected to be available on the launch of the Xbox One on 22 November in the UK, but was delayed by the BBC without giving a specific reason for the set back.

“BBC iPlayer is already available to audiences on over 1000 devices and platforms in the UK. Whilst we are working to bring BBC iPlayer to Xbox One in the future, we have no further details to share at this time,” said a BBC spokesman when contacted by the Guardian to clarify the issue.

The unnamed developer claimed that the BBC iPlayer app would not be available on Xbox One until April at the earliest. The BBC could not give an exact date for the release of the app.

• Over Christmas, the BBC iPlayer saw a record number of 2.2m tablet views on Boxing Day alone as viewers switch from computers to tablets and smartphones