BBC scraps Archers' Birmingham studio plan in £500m cuts drive, threatening 75-year city tie

The BBC has shelved a purpose-built recording studio for The Archers at its new Digbeth Tea Factory hub, raising the prospect that the world's longest-running soap opera could leave Birmingham for the first time since it began in 1951. The split between the production team, who will still move to Digbeth in 2028, and actors recording elsewhere will reportedly 'change the DNA of the show.' London and Cardiff are the most likely alternatives, with many cast members already based in the South East.

West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker called the move a betrayal and is to meet BBC Director General Matt Brittin this week to fight to keep the show in the city.

The BBC is reportedly assessing existing UK studios and private West Midlands options, but no final decision on location has been made.

Staff were told at a meeting last week and are reportedly 'aghast' — the show has recorded in Birmingham since 1951, first on Broad Street, then Pebble Mill, then the Mailbox.