Dame Judi Dench Joins Campaign to Keep "The Archers" in Birmingham

More than 100 current and former cast and crew members of the BBC radio drama "The Archers," including Dame Judi Dench, have asked the BBC to keep the show in Birmingham. BBC News reports that the request follows a decision to drop plans for a special studio at the broadcaster's new headquarters in Digbeth. According to the BBC, this change is one of many ways they are trying to save money, and they are currently considering different choices.

In a letter to the BBC's director general, Matt Brittin, actors, writers, directors and sound engineers said that moving the recordings away from the Midlands would have a "tangible impact." They compared it to "Coronation Street leaving the north-west, or EastEnders leaving the south-east," and said it would risk "ripping out the heart of Ambridge." They said Birmingham has been central to the show's identity since it began, and that separating the cast from the production team could change how it is made. The letter said a flagship show deserves flagship facilities, which would help both the BBC and the city for decades. Signers included Dench, Felicity Jones and Kellie Bright, as well as representatives of the actors' union Equity and the Writers' Guild.

"The Archers" is set in a made-up village called Ambridge in the West Midlands. This year marked its 75th birthday, and it has been based in Birmingham since the start. The village of Inkberrow in Worcestershire is believed to have inspired Ambridge, and a pub there called The Old Bull Inn is linked with the show's pub, The Bull.

Brittin defended the decision earlier this week. He said the BBC needed to make savings but remained committed to the show, and that it would explore how best to house "The Archers." He said there is other studio space around the country, and that options in the West Midlands would also be considered. West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker has also asked that the show stay, calling it a key part of the region's broadcasting heritage. Equity's general secretary, Paul Fleming, said cast members were angry.