Over 100 urge BBC to keep show in Birmingham; Judi Dench joins Archers cast calls

Letter urges the BBC to stay

The Archers cast and crew have asked BBC director general Matt Brittin to keep the Radio 4 drama’s recording in Birmingham. More than 100 current and former cast members signed the letter, alongside editors, scriptwriters, sound-effects workers, programme advisers, Equity and WGGB.

The letter says moving the programme from the Midlands would be like relocating Coronation Street from the north-west or EastEnders from the south-east. It describes the show as rooted in the region and says it should remain there.

Planned studio dropped

BBC staff were told last week that the corporation had abandoned plans for a purpose-built studio at the Tea Factory in Digbeth. The facility was intended for the BBC’s new Birmingham headquarters, and the decision forms part of a £500m cost-cutting drive.

A letter from the programme’s supporters argues that flagship facilities would benefit both the BBC and Birmingham for decades. The show is set in Ambridge, a fictional village in the West Midlands.

Dench appeared in 1989

Dench played Pru Forrest in a cameo for The Archers’ 10,000th episode in May 1989. In the episode, she met guest star Terry Wogan, who appeared as himself. Her signature adds a high-profile name to the campaign, which includes people who have worked on the programme in different roles.

BBC says options remain open

A BBC executive told staff that the decision had been made not to build a new radio drama studio at the Tea Factory. The executive also said no final decision had been reached and that the BBC was seeking a cost-effective approach while maintaining production standards and making savings.

A BBC spokesperson said the programme’s relationship with the West Midlands remained important. The spokesperson said the production team would stay at the Mailbox for now and move to the Tea Factory in early 2028 as planned.