The BBC has moved to quell speculation about the future of Doctor Who, insisting the iconic show will continue despite recent challenges. Speaking at the Edinburgh TV festival, BBC content chief Kate Phillips addressed anxious fans directly: 'Any Whovians out there, rest assured: Doctor Who is going nowhere.'
Rumours about the show's fate intensified after Ncuti Gatwa, who played the Doctor for only two series, departed in the finale of the 15th series in May. Both the BBC and Disney+, which co-funded the last two series, had remained silent on future plans. However, Phillips confirmed the show's longevity regardless of Disney's involvement, noting that the partnership continues with the spin-off The War Between the Land and the Sea next year.
Lindsay Salt, director of BBC Drama, added that while there is no update on the timing of the next series, the corporation remains 'always committed' to the programme. Showrunner Russell T Davies had previously expressed uncertainty about the show's future, but has now received reassurance from the BBC.
Davies has also defended the show against accusations of being 'too woke', telling BBC Radio 2: 'What you might call diversity, I just call an open door.' He criticised 'online warriors' who attack the show's inclusive storylines. Meanwhile, Disney faces scrutiny in the US over its diversity policies, with the Federal Communications Commission investigating whether its practices comply with the law.
If Disney+ opts out of co-funding, the BBC may need to find alternative funding, such as partnering with multiple global distributors or producing the show on a tighter budget. Ratings have declined, with the most recent series attracting half a million fewer viewers than the previous year, though global figures on Disney+ remain undisclosed.
