Save TV Centre Studios is a campaign to convince the BBC and Stanhope PLC to reconsider demolishing five of the UK’s best working TV studios, on the site of BBC Television Centre.
The campaign has been set up by a group of experienced TV industry professionals – directors, producers, sound engineers, technicians, crew and many others from all walks of television production – who all feel passionately about the demolition of not only some of the best working TV studios in the country, but the destruction of such an iconic and magical place to work.
Stars including Phillip Schofield, Zoe Wanamaker CBE, Robert Lindsay, Esther Rantzen, Matt Lucas, Miranda Hart, Peter Purves, Arlene Phillips CBE, Sir Michael Parkinson, Tony Robinson, Janet Ellis, Charlie Brooker, Richard Wilson, Al Murray, Sir David Jason, Neil Dudgeon, Barry Cryer CBE, Alexander Armstrong, Russell Grant, Jean Boht, Lesley Nicol, Melvyn Hayes, Sylvester McCoy, Nicola Bryant, Bob Mortimer, Dick & Dom and Jeremy Clarkson have all pledged support for the campaign.
We’re delighted to announce that Victoria Wood has joined the campaign. She writes:
“TV Centre was always a great place to work and it seems barmy to demolish viable studios that are fully functional. I’m not saying this for sentimental reasons. It just seems so wasteful to get rid of them.”
Esther Rantzen CBE, is a journalist and presenter best known for presenting the BBC television series That’s Life! and for her work in various charitable causes.
Richard Wilson OBE is an actor, theatre director and broadcaster, best known for playing Victor Meldrew in the popular BBC sitcom One Foot in the Grave.
Sir Michael Parkinson CBE is a broadcaster, journalist and author. He presented his chat show, Parkinson, from 1971 to 1982 and from 1998 to 2007.
Best known for his role as loveable rogue Del Boy Trotter in Only Fools and Horses, Sir David Jason has played roles across every genre of British television.
Phillip Schofield started his career as a presenter of BBC children’s programmes. He now presents shows such as This Morning and Dancing on Ice as well as game shows including The Cube.
Alexander Armstrong is a comedian, actor and television presenter, best known as one half of the comedy duo Armstrong and Miller and as host of the BBC quiz show Pointless
Kevin Eldon featured in comedy shows including ‘Knowing Me, Knowing You with Alan Partridge’. He now stars in his own series, ‘It’s Kevin’.
Jean Boht is an actress, most famous for the role of Nellie Boswell in Carla Lane’s classic BBC TV sitcom series Bread.
Neil Dudgeon is best known for playing the role of DCI John Barnaby in Midsomer Murders. He took over the lead from John Nettles in 2011
Zoe Wanamaker CBE is an Olivier award winning actress who is best known on screen for her portrayal of Susan Harper in the hit BBC comedy series ‘My Family’.
John Challis is an actor best known for his role as Terrance Aubrey “Boycie” Boyce in the long running BBC comedy series ‘Only Fools and Horses’ which was recorded at Television Centre.
Dick & Dom – more formally known as Richard McCourt & Dominic Wood – worked for CBBC at BBC Television Centre for 17 years.
Janet Ellis is probably best remembered for presenting two hit children’s shows. She presented ‘Blue Peter’ & ‘Jigsaw’ from 1979 to 1987. Her daughter is pop singer Sophie Ellis Bextor.
Lesley Nicol is probably most familiar to TV audiences for playing Downton Abbey’s long suffering cook Mrs Patmore.
Peter Purves first came to fame as one of Doctor Who’s first assistants – Steven Taylor. He is still best known as one of Blue Peter’s longest serving presenters – fronting the show from 1967 to 1978.
Robert Lindsay is an English actor known for his stage and television work. On TV he is best known for playing Wolfie Smith in Citizen Smith and Ben Harper in hit BBC sitcom ‘My Family’
Paul Daniels is a British magician and television performer. He achieved international fame through his television series ‘The Paul Daniels Magic Show‘, which ran on the BBC from 1979 to 1994 which was recorded at Television Centre.