Most expensive BBC dramas ever made - including £81million budget

BBC dramas have never been afraid to splash the cash - and in recent years the budgets have soared to eye-watering levels. From sprawling historical epics to lavish fantasy adventures, the corporation has poured millions into bringing ambitious stories to the small screen, often teaming up with US giants like HBO and Netflix to foot the bill. The result? Some of the most visually spectacular, headline-grabbing shows ever made in Britain.

But big budgets don't always guarantee big success. For every global hit that dazzled viewers and critics, there's been plenty of costly flops the BBC would rather brush under the carpet. From Rome's £58million gamble to the fantasy world of His Dark Materials and the ill-fated Rhodes, these dramas tell a story not just of creative ambition but also of risk and reward. Here are the most expensive BBC dramas ever made - and how they fared.

HBO/BBC co-production Rome is still remembered as one of the most expensive dramas of its era. Its sprawling Ancient Rome sets and armies of extras pushed the first season's cost to an estimated £58million ($110million) for 12 episodes, averaging around £800,000 per episode from the BBC's contribution. At the time, it was the most ambitious drama the broadcaster had ever undertaken " data-has-syndication-rights="1" data-portal-copyright="BBC/HBO" data-licensor-name="BBC/HBO" />