The takeover of Wimbledon Studios by an Iranian television firm is alleged to have been confirmed yesterday.

The Wimbledon Guardian reported last month Marjan Television Network was set to empty the studios where The Bill was filmed, with hundreds of jobs lost and the removal of the Media Village where up to 50 businesses are based.

It has been reported the deal has been done and the company, based in Wandsworth, has agreed a 15-year lease and an annual rent to Panther Securities Plc of just over £1m.

It was reported by www.broadcastnow.co.uk the company will move into the studios in October this year after repair work to the roof and electricity supply are completed. The Wimbledon Studios website has now been disabled and requests for comment from the studios have been referred elsewhere.

Repeated requests for confirmation from Marjan Television have gone unanswered and administrators KPMG said it was not able to comment because it was not party to the discussions about a takeover.