'Doctors' team 'nervous over BBC review'

[dutchman]

The cast and crew of daytime soap Doctors fear that the show could become a victim of the BBC Trust's network-wide drama review, according to a report.

Last week, it was revealed that the BBC's flagship serials - including EastEnders, Casualty and Holby City - are to receive a value-for-money assessment as part of the Trust's published work plan for 2010 and 2011.

According to The Mirror today, the news has left the Doctors team feeling pessimistic over the programme's future because the Trust could decide to cut back on the number of BBC medical dramas.

The newspaper quotes a show executive as saying: "We're preparing to find ourselves on the chopping block. Three long-running shows with a similar audience, themes and storylines are up for review and Doctors is probably the weakest link in terms of ratings."

Doctors last month celebrated its tenth anniversary and continues to be a strong performer for BBC One's daytime schedule, regularly winning its timeslot and attracting consistent audience numbers.

Responding to today's reports, a show source this morning told Digital Spy: "It's all speculation at the minute. The Trust's review isn't about axing shows, it's about ensuring they're value for money. Doctors airs 234 episodes a year and we're currently filming nine episodes at any one time, so we're confident that the Trust's review will highlight that."

A Doctors spokesperson added: "We welcome the forthcoming review into the BBC's continuing drama. It's an opportunity to highlight creative programming that attracts a large and dedicated audience on a regular basis.

"EastEnders, Holby, Casualty and Doctors tackle a variety of social issues and have won many awards. Not only are they key programmes in the BBC One schedule, but they also provide a training ground for developing and nurturing diverse new talent on and off screen."

[pollyanna]

until this post I had never heard of this Doctors programme

It's on in the early afternoon - I've seen it a few times - and believe me Growler - you've missed nothing