THE TARDIS DEMATERIALISES FROM ROATH LOCK AS DOCTOR WHO RELOCATES PRODUCTION
Doctor Who has officially left Roath Lock studios in Cardiff and moved production to nearby Bad Wolf Studios.
Four purpose-built sound stages, all used for Doctor Who, are now being sold for other productions, overseen by BBC Studioworks. The studios range from 5,101 sq. feet-12,318 sq. feet and include production offices, scene & prop storage and wardrobe/ make-up facilities.
Doctor Who production will come from Bad Wolf Studios, also in Cardiff. It comes after it was announced in September 2021 that BBC Studios had partnered with Bad Wolf to produce the long running sci-fi series going forward.
The move comes as Russell T Davies, who originally ran the series from 2005-10, is preparing to make an "explosive return" for the 60th Anniversary in 2023. Responsible for Doctor Who’s revival in 2005, Davies is credited with propelling the show into a global phenomenon and making it one of TV’s biggest hits.
His tenure on the show oversaw a surge in popularity, enjoying huge acclaim and success. The Doctor won the nation’s hearts through his masterful relaunch, which led him to create two spin-off series, Torchwood and The Sarah Jane Adventures, during that time.
Whilst the BBC has not yet confirmed when production on the new era will begin, when it will air who will even play the title role, it's widely reported that production will begin within the next month. The BBC declined to comment when approached by TV Zone.
Andrew Moultrie, CEO, BBC Studioworks, said: "Roath Lock marks another important step in our growth plans as we look to expand geographically and assess opportunities across the entertainment industry. We hope our arrival in Cardiff will be the start of a long and successful relationship, enabling us to significantly contribute to the continued success of this vibrant and creative local sector."
Alan Bainbridge, director of BBC Workplace, added: "We are delighted to be working again with Studioworks, supporting sustainable productions in modern, purpose built facilities which are accessible to all and in a beautiful location with great transport links."
Gareth Powell, COO at BBC Cymru Wales, said: "Roath Lock Studios has successfully produced Casualty, Pobol y Cwm, Doctor Who plus other shows since it opened in 2011. In that time Roath Lock Studios has made a major creative and economic contribution to the creative industries and been a springboard for the now flourishing drama production sector across South Wales."
He continued: "With production of Doctor Who now moving a short distance to Wolf Studios we look forward to a continued flow of production business using these facilities, overseen by BBC Studioworks."
Speaking on his announcement, Russell said at the time: "Russell T Davies says: “I’m beyond excited to be back on my favourite show. But we’re time-travelling too fast, there’s a whole series of Jodie Whittaker’s brilliant Doctor for me to enjoy, with my friend and hero Chris Chibnall at the helm - I’m still a viewer for now."
Doctor Who returns for a feature length episode this Autumn on BBC One. Further series, or episodes, will be confirmed in due course.