One episode of Pobol y Cwm a week to be axed over Covid costs

The number of episodes of the Welsh language soap opera Pobol y Cwm will be reduced from four to three a week from November onwards.

S4C said the cut was due to the increased costs of producing the BBC’s longest-running soap during the Covid pandemic.

In a statement, S4C said it was still in discussions about the next series of Pobol y Cwm, which are being produced by BBC Wales.

The series has been on air since October 1974.

A spokesman for S4C said: “The discussions regarding series 49 of Pobol y Cwm – from April 2022 onwards – continues with the BBC.

“There are a number of things to consider and agree on: What will be the impact of Covid on production from January, the additional costs arising from production under Covid, and S4C’s bid for digital / online content under the Pobol y Cwm brand.

“There is also a need to consider how the costs of updating all technical equipment will feed into that process.

“S4C hopes to bring the negotiations to a conclusion as soon as possible so that everyone has clarity about the future.”

Filming on the soap was halted in July last year because of a dispute over finances during the coronavirus restrictions.

The cost of making the programme while adhering to Covid-19 regulations meant less content had to be made for the same amount of money.

S4C said at the time that negotiations over funding were a matter for the BBC.