The BBC’s production arm will be launching as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the BBC in April 2017.

The landmark move is a part of the BBC’s plans to transform the way it produces and supplies content.

The creation of a distinct production arm is part of a raft of changes to the way the BBC produces shows which were featured in the BBC White Paper earlier in 2016. Other changes included removing the in-house production guarantee in certain BBC shows, and putting them out for competitive tender.

The production arm of the corporation, which in 2016 has been behind hits including Planet Earth II, Strictly Come Dancing, War and Peace and Britain’s Forgotten Slave Owners, will be committed to supporting the BBC’s public service mission.

Profits from the commercial subsidiary will be funnelled back into the BBC group.

The BBC has said that “enabling the BBC to compete in the market and make content for new channels and audiences, outside of Licence Fee funding, will help the production teams to attract and retain the best creative talent.”

BBC Director General Tony Hall added his support to the launch, saying that “BBC Studios is vital to the BBC’s future success.”

While Mark Linsey, Director of BBC Studios, said “BBC Studios has so much to offer creatively, both to broadcasters and the incredible range of talent who work with us.”