BBC criticised after scrapping long-running soap's new studio - with cast "angry"

Equity, the performing arts and entertainment union, has criticised the BBC after it announced plans to scrap its new studio for The Archers. The BBC had planned to build a studio for the world's longest-running soap opera at the Tea Factory, its new hub in Digbeth, central Birmingham.

The BBC has announced that it shelved those plans as part of a cost-cutting drive, with The Archers, which has been recording in Birmingham for 75 years, potentially having to record outside the city for the first time (via the BBC).

First broadcast across the UK on 1 January 1951, the long-running BBC Radio 4 serial is based in the imaginary West Midlands village of Ambridge and marked 75 years on air earlier this year.

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The BBC said it was "currently assessing the BBC's existing studio facilities around the UK as well as other external studio options in the West Midlands".

"We recognise and value The Archers' long-standing relationship with the West Midlands, which remains an important part of the programme's future," the broadcaster added.

Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, said he was "very disappointed by news that the BBC plans to move its production out of the city".

"The Archers was born in Birmingham and is a key part of our broadcasting heritage," he wrote in a statement shared to Facebook.

"We have the talent and the facilities here. There is no good reason why we should lose a programme that has called Birmingham home for decades."

A BBC spokesperson said they were looking to find a solution that would "deliver significant savings whilst also maintaining The Archers' high production standards".

They said the production team will move "as planned" to Digbeth in 2028, but "after careful consideration", they would not be building a recording studio in the Tea Factory.

Equity is opposing the BBC’s proposal to stop recording The Archers in Birmingham, urging the broadcaster to include an audio drama studio at its new Tea Factory site and protect regional investment.

In a statement, Equity said cast members were angry at the proposals and would fight them.

Paul W Fleming, general secretary of Equity, said: "This outrageous move by the BBC would be a further hollowing out of BBC facilities in the West Midlands, which is already reeling from the loss of Doctors with no serious scripted work planned for production.

"The Archers is THE iconic radio drama, and it being recorded, and produced in the region where the story and characters are based is integral to the show. Equity cast members are up in arms at this short-sighted proposal which will disrupt the programme and leave the West Midlands, and the BBC, poorer.

He added: "The Archers must stay in Birmingham, the Tea Factory must include an audio drama studio, as promised, and the BBC must stop cutting scripted drama and opportunities for our performers and creatives.

"Equity will be working with local policymakers to ensure the BBC is held accountable - with a Labour government demanding devolution and growth in every postcode, this decision is unfathomable. Eddy Grundy’s schemes have more integrity than these proposals."

Digital Spy has contacted the BBC for comment.

The Archers airs on BBC Radio 4 from Monday to Saturday at 7pm.

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