Entertainment
BBC shelves new Archers recording studio in Birmingham as part of cost-cutting
October 13, 2026 at 04:28 AM
Coverage
4 reports · over 45 hours
TGThe Guardian
The Archers cast ‘angry’ at BBC decision to scrap new studio, says actor
(opens the publisher’s site)
BNBBC News
BBC director-general backs decision to shelve Archers studio plan at new Birmingham site
(opens the publisher’s site)
BNBBC News
BBC shelves plans for new Archers studio as part of cost-cutting
(opens the publisher’s site)
TGThe Guardian
BBC to stop recording The Archers in Birmingham for first time in its 75-year history
(opens the publisher’s site)The BBC has shelved plans for a new recording studio for The Archers in Birmingham, the 75-year-old soap's home, as part of its cost-cutting drive.
- The BBC said it will no longer build a new recording studio for The Archers in Digbeth's Tea Factory as part of its cost-cutting drive.
- The production team will still move to Digbeth as planned in early 2028, with no final decision reached on where the show will be recorded.
- A BBC spokesperson said the corporation is assessing existing UK studio facilities and external West Midlands options for recordings.
- West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker said he will meet Director General Matt Brittin to discuss keeping The Archers in Birmingham.