Need to know
- Despite initial plans for Doctor Who to return at the end of the year for its annual Christmas special, the BBC released a statement earlier today announcing that it will no longer air. The broadcaster acknowledged that it was “disappointing” news for fans but insists the decision “was not taken lightly”
- The iconic sci-fi show had been co-produced by production company Bad Wolf, while a deal with Disney meant that the entertainment company was the series’ global home outside the UK and Ireland, a deal which ended last year. Nevertheless, the BBC has stated that Doctor Who hasn’t been cancelled but been put “out to competitive tender”, meaning other productions companies can pitch for the opportunity to make an existing returning series on a “work for hire” basis.
- The statement reads: “Doctor Who remains an important part of the BBC and this tender underpins the BBC’s continued commitment to Doctor Who ensuring audiences will enjoy the show for years to come.” But it is because of this current uncertainty that Doctor Who’s Christmas special 2026 won’t go ahead as planned.
- The BBC’s statement continues: “After careful consideration, the BBC, Russell T Davies and Bad Wolf have collectively decided not to go ahead with the previously announced Doctor Who Christmas episode. This decision was not taken lightly, and we know it will be disappointing for fans, but in order to set the show up for future series, it was decided that rather than bridge the gap with a one off special, we are choosing to push forward to invest in the long-term future of the show which ensures that when the TARDIS lands once more, it does so in all its glory.”
- On top of this disappointing news, Doctor Who’s showrunner Russell T Davies has also confirmed that he is once again leaving the sci-fi drama behind after previously exiting in 2010. He shared on Instagram: “And so GOODBYE from me to Doctor Who but HELLO to a big new future for the show, as the BBC announces it’s putting the show out to tender.”
READ THE FULL STORY: Has Doctor Who been cancelled? Everything you need to know as BBC issues statement