Shortage of new shows for months, say BBC bosses

The BBC will broadcast more repeats for many months due to a shutdown in TV production as a result of the coronavirus pandemic
The BBC will broadcast more repeats for many months due to a shutdown in TV production as a result of the coronavirus pandemic
ALAMY

The BBC has said that its channels will be broadcasting more repeats for months because of the TV production shutdown, with schedules set to get even thinner next year.

Filming of almost all BBC dramas, comedies and entertainment programmes was halted at the start of lockdown, with flagship shows like Eastenders and Top Gear only now starting to resume.

Speaking to MPs on the digital, culture, media and sport select committee this morning, senior executives said that viewers would notice a shortage of new programmes.

“We are going to have to have some repeats, because it’s very hard to film right now,” said James Purnell, director of education and radio, who noted children’s programming had been badly hit.

“We’ve had to cancel quite a significant