BBC iPlayer problems

[d000hg]

On my Windows XP PC, in the last week iPlayer has suddenly become almost unusable. Trying to start anything playing leads to the plugin or browser hanging or crashing 90% of the time. I thought it could be my connection, but other PCs in my home are seeing no such problems.
I am seeing the same problem in both Chrome (Mozilla plugin) and IE7 (ActiveX control).

Any thoughts? It's really annoying as I use iPlayer a lot to catch up on good radio programs while working and escape day-time DJ drivel...