The BBC has issued an update on the future of Doctor Who, confirming that the Christmas special has been scrapped but the show itself is not cancelled. The broadcaster acknowledged the decision would be "disappointing" for fans and that the cancellation of the episode "was not taken lightly."
Showrunner Russell T Davies Departs
Russell T Davies has also confirmed his departure as showrunner. He told fans 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."
The announcement has left Doctor Who fans concerned, with many taking to social media to speculate about the programme's future, which first graced BBC screens in 1963.
Has Doctor Who Been Cancelled?
Doctor Who's most recent series concluded last year, with Time Lord Ncuti Gatwa seen regenerating. The show has been co-produced by production company Bad Wolf, while a deal with Disney made the entertainment giant the programme's global home outside the UK and Ireland. That deal ended in 2025.
However, the BBC has not said that Doctor Who has been cancelled. The corporation clarified in its statement today (June 10): "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."
Is the Doctor Who Christmas Episode Cancelled?
Unfortunately, the festive episode has been scrapped. The statement read: "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."
What Does Competitive Tender Mean?
The BBC has explained that a competitive tender "is where we invite production companies to pitch for the opportunity to make an existing returning series on a 'work for hire' basis."
"Since 2016, the BBC has been putting all new business out to competition, and tendering a number of returning network television series made by BBC Studios as part of its commitments in the BBC Charter, which sets out that 100% of relevant television content should be open to competition by the end of 2027," it states on its website.
"These opportunities will be open to any independent production company who meet the eligibility criteria, along with BBC Studios. The criteria will vary by programme, depending on the requirements of the show."
Doctor Who airs in the UK on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
