The cast and crew of The Archers, including former guest star Judi Dench, have urged the BBC to maintain the recording of the Radio 4 drama in Birmingham. This plea comes after it was revealed that the BBC plans to stop recording the show in the city for the first time in its 75-year history.

Background

The BBC recently scrapped plans to build a new radio drama studio at the Tea Factory in Digbeth, which is set to be the corporation's new Birmingham headquarters. Staff were informed last week that, as part of a £500 million cost-cutting initiative, the plans for the bespoke studio have been abandoned. While production staff will still relocate to the Tea Factory, the BBC is now searching for an existing studio to record the show.

The West Midlands is included in this search, but there is no guarantee that The Archers will continue to be recorded in the region.

The Letter

A letter addressed to Matt Brittin, the BBC’s director general, has been signed by over 100 current and former cast members. The letter states:

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"The Archers leaving the Midlands is akin to Corrie leaving the north-west, or EastEnders the south-east. It is born of the very fabric of the place, and deserves to stay at home."