Maidstone Studios will no longer be home to Later... with Jools Holland and the musician's Annual Hootenanny.

The BBC has retained production of the popular music shows over the next two years, but announced some changes to the format, including the addition of a special guest, who will co-host some programmes alongside Holland.

It will also see filming returning to London, after six years in the County Town while the BBC's Television Centre was being redeveloped.

When the switch to Maidstone was announced in 2013, it was hailed as a massive boost to the local economy, with guest artists and a large studio team needing local hotel rooms and restaurants.

Holland himself said at the time: "It’s a great location, it will bring musicians from all over the world into Kent which is great.

"It’s a thrill for the county and couldn’t be better for the show. It’s a brilliantly-equipped studio and a world-class facility."

The new contract will see four series of six weeks each of Later… from autumn 2019 to spring 2021 on BBC Two, with each week featuring a mid-week 30 minute programme and an end of week 60-minute programme.

Two Hootenanny programmes - the much-anticipated show which goes out on New Year's Eve, and last year featured George Ezra, Michael Bublé, and Jess Glynne - will also be produced in December 2019 and 2020.

Patrick Holland, Controller of BBC Two, said: “With its unique curatorial vision and commitment to performance, Later... with Jools Holland is a vital part of the BBC Two schedule.

"For this tender process, we asked for fresh ideas to evolve this great show and were really excited by the vision and bold thinking of the BBC Studios team.

"I’m confident that the winning bid will build on the show’s famous history and develop it in an exciting direction.

"I’d like to thank all those that took part in the tender process and congratulate BBC Studios.”

Jan Younghusband, Head of Music TV Commissioning, added: “Later... with Jools Holland is a key part of our musical offering and is popular with a wide selection of audiences.

"I would like to thank all the producers who took part in the tender process for all their hard work.

"We felt that the BBC Studios bid was the strongest of a remarkable and inspiring set of bids.

"BBC Studios, with their unique combination of musical expertise in live shows, knowledge of the music industry and artists, and narrative excellence, were the right choice to take the show forward to its future and attract new audiences whilst maintaining its strong musical curation.”

Maidstone Studios has been contacted for comment.

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