After 23 years on air, the BBC has announced the decision to bring an end to the popular daytime drama series ‘Doctors’. The decision comes as the BBC faces funding challenges and the cost of producing the show has significantly increased.
In a statement, the BBC cited the rising inflation in drama production costs as one of the main reasons behind the decision. Additionally, further investment would be required to refurbish the site where the show is currently made or to relocate it to another location. With a flat license fee, the BBC has had to make tough choices in order to deliver greater value to audiences.
Despite this, the BBC remains committed to the West Midlands, where ‘Doctors’ is filmed. All the funding that was previously allocated to ‘Doctors’ will now be reinvested into new programming in the region. This move aims to ensure that the region continues to benefit from the creative industry and that new opportunities are developed to support skills in scripted programming.
The final episode of ‘Doctors’ is set to air in December 2024. The BBC is working closely with BBC Studios to ensure that the show receives the finale it deserves.
The announcement of the show’s cancellation has sparked mixed reactions among fans and industry professionals. Many have expressed their sadness at the end of a long-running and beloved series, which has played a crucial role in nurturing talent over the years. However, there is also an understanding of the financial pressures facing the BBC and the need to make difficult decisions in order to allocate resources effectively.
