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Judi Dench leads 100-strong cast rebellion against BBC plan to move The Archers out of Birmingham

Judi Dench leads 100-strong cast rebellion against BBC plan to move The Archers out of Birmingham

Dame Judi Dench, Adjoa Andoh and Felicity Jones are among more than 100 current and former Archers cast and crew members who have written to BBC director general Matt Brittin warning the plan to stop recording the show in Birmingham poses an "existential threat" to its future. The BBC scrapped plans for a bespoke studio at its new Tea Factory headquarters in Digbeth as part of a £500m cost-cutting drive, meaning the show could be recorded outside the city for the first time since 1951. Brittin has defended the decision, saying alternative options in the West Midlands are being explored.

The open letter, also signed by Equity and the Writers' Guild, warns the move would be "a great betrayal of the people of Birmingham".

Signatories compare the prospect to 'Coronation Street leaving the north-west, or EastEnders leaving the south-east', saying it risks 'ripping out the heart of Ambridge'.

The Archers celebrated its 75th anniversary this year and has been recorded in Birmingham for the entirety of its existence.

MoreThe TelegraphJudi Dench leads backlash against BBC plan to move ArchersBBC News - EnglandDame Judi Dench joins call to keep Archers in BirminghamThe TelegraphOutrage in Ambridge: How BBC plans to move The Archers offended everyoneEvening StandardJudi Dench and The Archers cast urge BBC boss to keep show in BirminghamThe GuardianJudi Dench joins calls by The Archers cast to keep show in Birmingham
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