The BBC has confirmed that the long-standing medical drama Casualty will go through a competitive tender process, much like its sibling series Holby City.
Despite this change, the show will continue being aired on the same channel with the BBC holding all rights to the programme.
Fans will be reassured to know that filming will remain in Cardiff, maintaining its significant role in Wales’ production landscape.
David Pembrey, Chief Operating Officer at BBC Content, commented: “The award-winning Casualty is a hugely important continuing drama which has been on our screens since 1986.
“We are opening it to competition as part of our ongoing commitment to delivering the very best value for audiences.”
A new production company will need to be found for Casualty(Image: BBC)
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After a notable pause in the broadcast schedule last year, the beloved series made a comeback.
On September 23, a statement from the show assured fans: “#Casualty will return. Casualty is on a break and will be back on your screens later this year.”
WhatToWatch relayed confirmation from an official spokesperson that audiences can expect the return of Casualty later in the current year.
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Following a Christmas special, the series resumed airing on the BBC in March.
Fans have been their diverse opinions on the significant change. One viewer said on X: “They should have done this for Holby City instead of axing it outright, Holby was way better than Casualty.”
Another added: “All this reminds me of when ITV decided to axe The Bill. Apparently these domestic workplace dramas must be more expensive to produce than they look.”
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Fans have been worried about the future of Casualty since Holby City was axed(Image: WARNING: Use of this copyright image is subject to the terms of use of BBC Pictures’ Digital Picture Service (BBC Pictures) as set out at www.bbcpictures.co.uk/terms-and-conditions/. In particular, this image may only be published by a registered User of BBC Pictures for editorial use for the purpose of publicising the relevant BBC programme, personnel or activity during the Publicity Period which ends three review weeks following the date of transmission and provided the BBC and the copyright holder in the caption are credited. For any other purpose whatsoever, including advertising and commercial, prior written approval from the copyright holder will be required.)
A third person remarked: “An odd move, I doubt Casualty is an expensive show to make. And if that’s the case where is the money going to come from for Doccy Who? You could probably make a season of Casualty for what one episode would cost.”
In a surprising turn of events in November 2024, the BBC announced the cancellation of the long-running medical soap Doctors after 24 years on air, attributing the decision to “super inflation in drama production,” which has led to a steep rise in costs.
