Here’s a breakdown of the major changes and what they mean for Casualty:

1. Competitive Tender for Production

The biggest change is that Casualty is being put out to competitive tender. This means that while the show will absolutely continue to be broadcast on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, the BBC will invite pitches from various production companies to decide who will actually make the show.

• Why this is happening: The BBC has been tendering a number of its returning series since 2014 as part of a strategy to ensure “the very best value for audiences” and increase competition in production.
• Reassurance for fans: The BBC has explicitly reassured fans that this move does not mean Casualty is being cancelled. David Pembrey, chief operating officer of BBC Content, stated: “The award-winning Casualty is a hugely important continuing drama which has been on our screens since 1986. We are opening it up to competition as part of our ongoing commitment to delivering the very best value for audiences.”
• Precedent: A similar tendering process happened for Holby City in 2017. In that instance, BBC Studios (the current producer of Casualty) ultimately retained the production contract. BBC Studios is expected to submit a pitch to continue making Casualty. A final decision on who will produce the show isn’t expected until November 2025.

2. Official Relocation to Wales (In-Universe)

While Casualty has been filmed at BBC’s Roath Lock Studios in Cardiff, Wales, since 2011, the show’s fictional setting has traditionally been Holby in the fictional county of Wyvern (portrayed as being in south-west England).

• The Major Shift: The BBC has announced that the show’s in-universe setting will now officially be based in Wales. This is part of the BBC’s broader ambition to better represent all areas of Britain and “include authentic representation of Wales and reflect the reality of the Welsh NHS.”
• Impact on Characters: While the move is not about “radical change of the show,” producers will need to address this core change in their pitches. It’s expected that many beloved existing characters will make the transition to the new Welsh-based hospital, but there will also be opportunities for new Welsh characters to be introduced.
• Timeline: The new production contract will begin in November 2025, with the first Welsh-set episodes expected to air in early 2027 onwards.

3. Potential for Fewer Episodes

In September 2023, Casualty was already cut to 36 episodes per series (seven fewer than previous years). The new tender document indicates that the BBC is now expecting a “minimum of 24 episodes per series.” While this means fewer episodes per year for fans, it at least confirms the show’s continuation.

In Summary:

The BBC’s decision to put Casualty out for competitive tender and officially relocate its fictional setting to Wales are significant changes. However, the broadcaster has made it clear that the show’s future is secure. This ensures that the world’s longest-running primetime medical drama will continue to be a staple on BBC One and BBC iPlayer for years to come, even if its production house and fictional location shift.

1. Competitive Tender for Production The biggest change is that Casualty is being put out to competitive tender. This means that while the show will absolutely continue to be broadcast on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, the BBC will invite pitches from various production companies to decide who will actually make the show. Why this…