The BBC has released a statement saying that the axing of long running daytime drama, Doctors, is due to ‘super inflation’ in the cost of drama production.
The BBC said the decision also came from the need to refurbish the site where the show is produced by BBC Studios.
The corporation said that “with a flat licence-fee, the BBC’s funding challenges mean we have to make tough choices in order to deliver greater value to audiences.”
“With super inflation in drama production, the cost of the programme has increased significantly, and further investment is also now required to refurbish the site where the show is made, or to relocate it to another home.”
The BBC said that despite the show being axed “we remain fully committed to the West Midlands and all of the funding for Doctors will be reinvested into new programming in the region.”
The Writers’ Guild of Great Britain General Secretary Ellie Peers said: “The closure of Doctors is a terrible loss to the UK writing community, and to audiences. Initially considered a ‘training’ show for creatives, it has long developed into a much-loved programme with fantastic stories written by dedicated teams of scriptwriters.
“It is essential in an increasingly global market that the UK continues to provide distinctive content and opportunities for our writers. It is therefore of real concern that this is the second long running drama series to be scrapped by the BBC in the last two years, the first being Holby City. The closure of another drama series leaves a big hole in the drama slate, and in the pockets of Doctors writers, many of whom have written for the show for years.
“We will be continuing our conversations with the BBC on this and providing support for our members who are affected.”
WGGB Chair Lisa Holdsworth, added: “I am shocked and saddened to hear this news. I know that the Doctors writing team boasts some of the most passionate and dedicated writers working in UK television. Over the years they’ve generated thousands of inventive and impactful stories, often reflecting the realities of modern British life whilst still remaining entertaining and accessible to the audience. I hope the BBC and the wider industry appreciates their talent going forward.”
WGGB members affected by the closure can contact casework@writersguild.org.uk
The final episode will screen in December 2024.
Jon Creamer
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