SILENT WITNESS TO BE PUT OUT TO TENDER BY BBC

The BBC are to put hit crime drama Silent Witness out to competitive tender this Summer, industry outlet Broadcast reports.

Under the terms of its 2016 Charter agreement, the BBC has an obligation to let "outside companies bid to make many of the comedy, drama and factual shows which were originally created by its in-house teams". Previous shows which have been put out to tender include Casualty, Blue Peter, DIY SOS, Fake Or Fortune and Mastermind.

Most recently, it was announced Doctor Who would be put out to competitive tender as part of efforts to revive the long-running sci-fi series following the departure of Russell T Davies and Ncuti Gatwa. It's also suggested by The Sun newspaper that Strictly Come Dancing will be put out to tender next year.

Broadcast reports that as part of the tender, the BBC will require the show's production base to remain in the West Midlands. The BBC will retain the full rights to the programme.

Earlier this year, announcing Doctor Who's tender process, the BBC said: "As part of securing the next phase of the show for future generations, and in line with the BBC’s Charter and Agreement requirements, the BBC will put Doctor Who out to competitive tender this year. Doctor Who remains an important part of the BBC and this tender underpins the BBC’s continued commitment to Doctor Who ensuring audiences will enjoy the show for years to come.

After careful consideration, the BBC, Russell T Davies and Bad Wolf have collectively decided not to go ahead with the previously announced Doctor Who Christmas episode. This decision was not taken lightly, and we know it will be disappointing for fans, but in order to set the show up for future series, it was decided that rather than bridge the gap with a one off special, we are choosing to push forward to invest in the long-term future of the show which ensures that when the TARDIS lands once more, it does so in all its glory.

The previously announced new Doctor Who animation series for CBeebies is currently in production. Details of the tender will be announced in due course.

The BBC retains all IP in Doctor Who. BBC Studios will continue to lead the global distribution of Doctor Who as well as licensing, consumer products, digital and immersive experiences on behalf of the BBC."

Silent Witness and Doctor Who are available now on BBC iPlayer.