The BBC has announced that long-running charity telethons Comic Relief and Children In Need will be based out of Salford in future.
The shift of the high-profile events away from London is part of the BBC's ongoing attempts to demonstrate a commitment to the nations and regions and shed criticism that the corporation has been too focused on the capital.
In moving to Salford, Comic Relief and Children In Need join a number of high-profile BBC programmes and events to be based in Manchester, including BBC Breakfast, Blue Peter, Match of the Day, University Challenge and Dragons' Den.
"The fantastic production expertise we have in the North is second to none and it's exciting to think we're going to grow this skillset by making Salford the home of these two incredibly important titles," said Suzy Lamb, MD of BBC Studios Entertainment.
"The team there cannot wait to get going and plan for what I know will be two truly memorable nights every year."
The first Salford-based Children In Need will take place on November 19 this year, with Comic Relief following in March 2022.
Neil Wilkes
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