Recording of The Archers in Birmingham is to end for the first time in the programme's 75-year history, after the BBC abandoned plans to build a new radio drama studio at the Tea Factory in Digbeth. The cancellation forms part of the corporation's wider £500m cuts plan.

Studio plan dropped under £500m cuts

The show's recordings were due to move from the BBC's existing Birmingham base at The Mailbox to the Tea Factory in 2028, but that studio element will now not go ahead. In an email to staff, a BBC executive said no new radio drama studio would be built for The Archers at the Digbeth site as part of the cost reductions, adding: "To be clear, no decision has yet been reached."

The same executive described the programme as a jewel in the BBC's crown, pointing to its 75 years on air and its connection with the West Midlands.

Where recordings will go instead

While the studio will not be built, the soap's production team remains scheduled to move into the Tea Factory. The BBC is looking for somewhere else to record the show and has not yet settled on a location.

• •The corporation is assessing its existing studio facilities around the UK for a more cost-effective recording solution.
• •It will also consider private studios in the West Midlands.
• •A BBC spokesperson said the production team will move from the Mailbox to the Tea Factory in Digbeth in early 2028 as planned.

Insiders fear a weaker show

BBC insiders are worried that splitting the actors from the production crew will damage the programme, because production staff regularly engage with the actors at the last minute to tweak scripts and storylines.

One source said the change would weaken the programme: "It is going to weaken the show. It will change the DNA of the show."

Other concerns raised include:

• •Actors are only in the studio for about eight days a month, and many of the cast live across the UK.
• •Some fear recordings will default to London and that staff will eventually follow.
• •The BBC has been clear that production staff will move to the new Birmingham headquarters as planned.

It is not clear whether Lisa Nandy, the culture secretary, was aware of the plans. Boosting BBC production outside London is at the top of her agenda.

A Birmingham institution since 1951

The show has been associated with Birmingham since it started in 1951, and it employs local writers and freelancers.

Matt Brittin, the BBC's director general, has already faced anger from staff, some of whom argue that more managers should be targeted instead.

More BBC cuts announcements are expected in the coming days, and the corporation is still assessing existing UK and external West Midlands studios as it searches for a recording solution.