Key facts
- The BBC has cancelled the planned Doctor Who Christmas special.
- The long-running science fiction series will be put out to competitive tender.
- Showrunner Russell T. Davies and producer Bad Wolf are departing the show.
- The BBC is committed to commissioning new episodes of Doctor Who.
- A Doctor Who animation series for CBeebies is still in production.
The BBC has cancelled the planned Doctor Who Christmas special, a move that comes as the broadcaster prepares to put the long-running science fiction series out to competitive tender. This decision follows the departure of showrunner Russell T. Davies and producer Bad Wolf.
Davies confirmed his exit, stating that the Christmas special was conceived to guarantee the show's future when its status was uncertain. With the future now clearer, he explained, the special is no longer necessary. He clarified that no script was written and no actor was approached for the role of the next Doctor, suggesting that the upcoming iteration of the show will be a significant reinvention.
The series, which debuted in 1963, has a tradition of Christmas specials, often featuring the debut of a new Doctor. Ncuti Gatwa made his full episode debut as the 15th Doctor in "The Church on Ruby Road" in 2023. The shake-up occurs amid a turbulent period for Doctor Who, including the end of its co-production deal with Disney+ and struggling viewing figures. Despite these challenges, the BBC has affirmed its commitment to commissioning new episodes and confirmed that a previously announced Doctor Who animation series for CBeebies is still in production.