BBC insiders said reports of plans to cut the amount of in-house productions should be treated with a "pinch of salt" last night.

It is claimed the corporation may cut the amount and cost of its in-house production.

Executives are considering the amount of money the BBC spends on programmes, and the paring back of some of its programme-making budget has been suggested.

Insiders at the BBC in London said in-house productions like Doctor Who and Strictly Come Dancing are an integral part of the BBC.

The eclectic mix of in-house productions, a source said, from religious to nature, would be unlikely to be found in the independent sector.