1. Landmark Tender Process, Not Relocation
The BBC has officially placed Casualty up for competitive tender, meaning external production companies may bid to take over. However, BBC Studios remains a contender—and for now, no departure from Holby is planned
2. Setting Still Based in Wales
The show continues to be filmed at Roath Lock in Cardiff, the same studios used since 2011. The BBC intends to maintain production there and the fictional hospital will stay in the same Welsh setting for continuity
3. Fictional Setting – Holby City Hospital – Will Stay
Rumours claiming that the show is “leaving Holby” stem from misunderstandings related to tendering and location representation. While the BBC is encouraging future storytellers to authentically portray Wales on screen, the hospital remains rooted in the existing fictional world, not moving to a new fictional town
4. What is Changing?
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Production Ownership: A new producer could take the helm after 2026, but episodes will continue to air on BBC One and be filmed in Cardiff
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Episode Numbers: The show may reduce output from 36 to as few as 24 episodes per year under the new deal
5. Timeline & Strategic Context
The current contract runs through 2029, with a potential extension beyond that. Decisions about the tender are expected in November 2025, and any major changes would apply from 2027 onward
🔄 Why Fans Are Freaking Out
Rumours about Casualty “leaving Holby” likely stem from coverage of the show’s production tender and plans to deepen the Wales setting on screen. But there’s no plan to relocate the fictional hospital to another region—the confusion appears to be a misreading of BBC’s strategic documents
Despite the uncertainty surrounding production, the BBC has consistently reiterated its commitment to the drama, ensuring fans that Casualty remains integral to its lineup and Welsh dramas slate
🧾 Quick Facts Summary
Topic | Details |
---|---|
Production Tender | Casualty is now open to new production bids; BBC Studios may stay on |
Filming Location | Continues at Roath Lock Studios, Cardiff |
Fictional Setting | Holby City Hospital remains unchanged; no relocation of the hospital |
Episode Count | May drop from 36 to minimum 24 per year |
Timeline | New production contract starts in 2027; possibly extended beyond 2029 |
💬 Public & Press Reaction
Media outlets like The Independent emphasised fan backlash, calling the rumours “insulting” and warning the changes could be the series’ decline. But **official sources…”stress there’s no truth to claims the show is moving city”
✅ Bottom Line
Despite alarming rumours, Casualty is not leaving Holby City Hospital. It’s entering a new era of production, with a potential change of producers and reduced episodes—but the show remains firmly set in the fictional Welsh hospital it’s called home for over three decades.