The big change is that the show’s in-universe setting will now officially move to Wales, portraying a new fictional hospital based in Wales.

Here’s a breakdown of the BBC’s plans:

1. Competitive Tender Process: The BBC is putting the production of Casualty out to a competitive tender process. This means that while Casualty will continue to be broadcast on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, different production companies are invited to pitch for the chance to produce the show for three seasons (24 episodes each). BBC Studios, the current producer, is also expected to bid to retain control.
2. Move to Welsh Portrayal: The core change mandated in the tender document is the requirement for the successful production company to “evolve the show into Welsh portrayal.” This means the fictional hospital will be based in Wales, and the show will need to “include authentic representation of Wales and reflect the reality of the Welsh NHS.”
3. Filming Location Remains Cardiff: Crucially, the actual filming location will remain at the BBC Roath Lock Studios in Cardiff, Wales. This means the physical sets and studios won’t move, but the narrative will align with the real-world production base.
4. Not a “Radical Change”: The BBC has emphasized that this is “not about radical change of the show” in terms of its core identity. They expect existing, much-loved characters to make the move to the new Welsh hospital, alongside opportunities to introduce new Welsh characters and storylines that reflect the diverse modern Britain.
5. Timeline: The BBC plans to announce the show’s new producer in November 2025. Episodes produced under this new contract, reflecting the Welsh setting, are expected to air between late 2026 and autumn 2029, with a possibility of a two-year extension.

This move mirrors a similar change made by another long-running BBC drama, Waterloo Road, which moved its fictional setting from Manchester to Scotland for its later seasons to align with its filming location. The aim is to boost TV production across the UK’s regions and improve authentic representation.

Here’s a breakdown of the BBC’s plans: Competitive Tender Process: The BBC is putting the production of Casualty out to a competitive tender process. This means that while Casualty will continue to be broadcast on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, different production companies are invited to pitch for the chance to produce the show for…