Casualty fans can rejoice as the popular medical drama has emerged victorious from rounds of ‘extremely competitive’ negotiation at the BBC.

The medical show, which first in 1986, was facing an uncertain future amid widespread cutbacks at broadcasters due to the increasing popularity of streaming services and plummeting TV viewership.

BBC Studios won the production contract and the show will continue to be filmed in Cardiff after making the move to Wales from Bristol back in 2012.

The contract is for three more series, which are set to begin filming with BBC Cymru Wales in spring 2026.

Actors on the show will also undoubtedly be celebrating after it was claimed in March of 2024 that they were told that the show had just two seasons left.

An insider told The Sun: ‘The official messaging is that all is well because the show was recently recommissioned for two more years.’

They added: ‘But when that new round of contracts were signed, the feedback was “two years, then we’re done”.

‘To be honest, no one was very surprised. The writing has been on the wall for a while now.’

Mainstream television has been facing increased cutbacks not just because of streaming services, but because of the ongoing cost-of-living crisis in the UK, which has also increased production costs.

This had an impact on Casualty back in 2023 when it was reported that a reduced number of episodes were being filmed due to ‘super inflation in drama production.’

A BBC spokesperson said at the time: ‘We’ve taken the decision to slightly reduce the number of episodes per year in order to maintain the quality. We’ve received no complaints from cast and crew.’

Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, said of the show’s renewal by BBC Cymru Wales: ‘Casualty is a hugely important, much-loved BBC drama and this tender has ensured it will continue to flourish.

‘It was an extremely competitive process and we would like to thank the shortlisted producers for their high-quality and comprehensive proposals.

‘We look forward to working with BBC Studios as we build on the show’s long-running success.’

Nick Andrews, Head of Commissioning, BBC Cymru Wales, added: ‘Casualty will be supercharging the portrayal of Wales to the UK and beyond and BBC Cymru Wales are delighted.

‘Casualty always breaks new ground, and it has done so again.

‘The sheer scale of the portrayal of Wales – in character and place is a game changer. BBC Studios fired our imaginations, and we look forward to where they take the world of Casualty next.’

The BBC said in a statement that the show’s renewal reflects the broadcaster’s commitment ‘to commission the best programmes for audiences, regardless of who makes them.’

It is hoped that the new contracts will provide opportunities to showcase new Welsh acting talent and British writers.

Casualty airs on BBC One and is available to stream on iPlayer.