Archers cast and crew, led by Judi Dench, urge BBC to keep recording in Birmingham

More than 100 current and former Archers cast and crew members, including Dame Judi Dench, have urged the BBC to keep recording in Birmingham.

• More than 100 current and former Archers cast and crew signed a letter to BBC director general Matt Brittin calling for recording to remain in Birmingham.
• The appeal follows the BBC's decision to abandon plans for a bespoke studio at its new Digbeth headquarters as part of cost-cutting measures.
• Brittin said the BBC needed to make savings but would explore how best to house the programme, including options in the West Midlands.
• Equity and the Writers' Guild backed the signatories' warning that moving recording outside the region would have a "tangible impact" on the programme.