EastEnders' Elstree Studios officially sold by BBC
The BBC has finally found a suitor for its 16-acre Elstree Studios complex.
Eighteen months ago, it was announced that the corporation was hoping to sell the studio behind EastEnders in a move to counteract its dwindling license fee payments.
Advanced Television now reports French insurance firm Axa and the Beeb have shook hands in a deal worth around £70 million. The latter will take a 25-year leaseback on some of Elstree's facilities and continue production there.
Related: EastEnders' Nish Panesar to plot against The Six after discovery
BBC finance director Alan Dickson claimed the sale of the Elstree Centre was "part of an ongoing review of the BBC's property portfolio in order to provide the best value for license fee payers".
As well as the setting for fictional soapland Walford, the site is also used for the annual Children in Need charity extravaganza and UK election coverage.
Back when the proposed sale was revealed to the public, a BBC spokesperson shared in a statement: "As part of our ongoing review of the BBC's property portfolio we are exploring the sale of Elstree and leasing back part for the continued production of EastEnders. There are long-term commitments for the continued use of Elstree, for the parts which support EastEnders."
Related: EastEnders reveals exit story for Kim and Howie
Meanwhile, Arthur 'Fatboy' Chubb actor Ricky Norwood recently told RadioTimes that a return isn't out of the question, despite his character dying.
"The thing with EastEnders is that anything can happen. I've got a lot of love for EastEnders, I've got a lot of friends and family that are still there," he said. "I call them family because you share a lot there. You really build a strong bond with the people that you work with.
"Whether you die onscreen or offscreen, there have been returns. [EastEnders] had a year full of great storylines. Christmas was fantastic. So if they ever needed Fatboy back in the Square, all they've got to do is give me a call."
EastEnders airs on Mondays - Thursdays at 7.30pm on BBC One. The show also streams on BBC iPlayer, where most episodes drop early at 6am ahead of their TV broadcast.
Read more EastEnders spoilers on our dedicated homepage
You Might Also Like
