BBC Television Centre – in pictures

Television Centre: the BBC officially vacates the premises on 31 March, but the vast majority of several thousand staff who used to work there – including news (relocated to New Broadcasting House) sport and children's (Salford) – are already gone. These signs in a TV Centre corridor provide a handy reminder for anyone wondering where everyone has got to Photograph: Graeme Robertson for the Guardian

BBC Television Centre: this view of the newsroom suggests not everyone conscientiously followed the 'clear your desk' instructions Photograph: Graeme Robertson for the Guardian

BBC Television Centre: the circular 'doughnut' office block at the heart of the complex – to be redeveloped as, inevitably, 'executive apartments'. TV Centre folklore has it that Brian Blessed once climbed the statue of Helios – and crowned it with a condom. Well, he is a mountaineer. And apparently paid attention in sex education class Photograph: Graeme Robertson for the Guardian

BBC Television Centre: a view looking up at the 'doughnut' circular office block Photograph: Graeme Robertson for the Guardian

BBC Television Centre: a former BBC sport office. Hopefully whoever was rifling through that mountain of tapes found the one they were looking for Photograph: Graeme Robertson for the Guardian

BBC Television Centre: a news gallery in the now vacant newsroom Photograph: Graeme Robertson for the Guardian

BBC Television Centre: the old BBC World studio set. The channel relocated to New Broadcasting House in central London in early 2013 Photograph: Graeme Robertson for the Guardian

BBC Television Centre: you'll be waiting even longer than usual for service in this BBC restaurant Photograph: Graeme Robertson for the Guardian

BBC Television Centre: a vacant BBC Sport office Photograph: Graeme Robertson for the Guardian

BBC Television Centre: lighting rigs in studio 4. BBC Studios and Post Production will be returning to TV Centre in 2015 following its redevelopment, leasing back three of the biggest studios from developer Stanhope following their refurbishment. BBC Worldwide staff will also be moving in, with the corporation expected to occupy about 20% of the redeveloped site Photograph: Graeme Robertson for the Guardian

BBC Television Centre: this chair may once have been the property of the late Terry Nutkins, it seems Photograph: Graeme Robertson for the Guardian

BBC Television Centre: an exterior shot taken a few days before Comic Relief 2013 Photograph: Graeme Robertson for the Guardian

BBC Television Centre: the letters spelling out 'Television Centre' are expected to be auctioned off Photograph: Graeme Robertson for the Guardian

BBC Television Centre: not anymore from this office, Gabby Photograph: Graeme Robertson for the Guardian

Chris Evans and Alex Jones chat in front of the cameras
Photograph: Martin Godwin for The Guardian

Rows of cables are lined up around the side of the outdoor set
Photograph: Martin Godwin for The Guardian

Technicians prepare for a live performance from Madness
Photograph: Martin Godwin for The Guardian

The brass section of Madness take part in a soundcheck
Photograph: Martin Godwin for The Guardian

Suggs of Madness rehearses for the band's live performance Photograph: Martin Godwin for The Guardian

A spare Dalek stands by as technicians set up the stage Photograph: Martin Godwin for The Guardian

Madness perform to the mark the end of broadcasting from Wood Lane
Photograph: Jonathan Brady/PA