The BBC has cancelled the special Christmas episode of Doctor Who, while showrunner Russell T Davies and producer Bad Wolf are exiting the iconic sci-fi series as the Beeb put it out to tender, following in the footsteps of another decades old BBC classic, Blue Peter (although it’s probably worth noting that BBC Studios won that particular tender).
In an announcement on Wednesday, the BBC acknowledged that the news would be “disappointing for fans” after the broadcaster promised last year that it would air a “spectacular” special episode in 2026, despite Disney’s exit from the pair’s previous co-production agreement which saw the show screened globally on Disney+.
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The BBC’s statement in full read:
“Today we’re announcing an update on plans for the future of Doctor Who.
“As part of securing the next phase of the show for future generations, and in line with the BBC’s Charter and Agreement requirements, the BBC will put Doctor Who out to competitive tender this year. 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.
“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.
“The previously announced new Doctor Who animation series for CBeebies is currently in production.
“Details of the tender will be announced in due course.
“The BBC retains all IP in Doctor Who. BBC Studios will continue to lead the global distribution of Doctor Who as well as licensing, consumer products, digital and immersive experiences on behalf of the BBC.”
The loss of the Christmas special is likely to be a particular disappointment for fans. The annual event had become something of a festive institution and was frequently used to introduce new Doctors, despatch old ones, and generally set up cliffhangers for the following year’s coming series.
That said, at the same time as the BBC statement, Davies, who was in his second term as show-runner for the long-running BBC sci-fi and whose latest creation Tip Toe has been garnering rave reviews on Channel 4, posted on Instagram noting that he hadn’t yet written a script for the Christmas special, and adding that “no actor was ever approached to play the next Doctor.”
With the show now having lost its Doctor (Ncuti Gatwa quit last year blaming exhaustion), showrunner/writer, production company and co-production partner, questions are sure to be asked about its future. The BBC, however, has steadfastly insisted several times, including in today’s statement, that despite the off-screen drama and indifferent recent ratings The Doctor’s future is secure.
