For the first time in two decades, the familiar whirring sound of the TARDIS will be absent from British television sets this festive season. The annual Doctor Who Christmas special, a staple of the BBC's holiday programming since the show's revival in 2005, has been conspicuously dropped from the 2025 schedules.
The End of a Festive Tradition
This break marks a significant departure from tradition. Every year since Christopher Eccleston's Ninth Doctor graced our screens, viewers have enjoyed a festive adventure on Christmas Day or around New Year, with David Tennant's first full episode as the Doctor in 2005 setting the precedent. The last time the series was off-air for the holidays was before its 2005 return, following a hiatus that began in 1989, barring a one-off TV movie in 1996.
The show's most recent season concluded in May 2025 with a major cliffhanger: Ncuti Gatwa's Doctor regenerated into a new incarnation played by Billie Piper. Historically, such a dramatic twist would have been resolved in the subsequent Christmas special. This year, however, fans are left in suspense for a much longer period.
Behind the Scenes: Funding Uncertainty and Delay
The extended hiatus is directly linked to upheaval in the show's funding and distribution model. Reports indicate that uncertainty surrounding a crucial agreement between the BBC and global media giant Disney is the primary cause. Disney reportedly delayed its decision on the partnership until after the second season wrapped in May, creating a production limbo that sparked widespread rumours about the show's potential cancellation.
The situation was only clarified in October 2025, when it was announced that Disney would be stepping away from the deal. Consequently, the BBC confirmed that Doctor Who will not return until a special episode at Christmas 2026, with a full series likely to follow in mid-2027.
Fan Reaction and What's Next
The news has generated a mixed response from the show's dedicated fanbase. Many have expressed frustration on social media platforms. A TikTok user, timdoesfilms, captured the sentiment, quipping, "Nothing says Christmas like a two-year wait for a 45 minute episode." On Reddit, one fan lamented, "To not have one of your flagship shows air for an entire year and a half is crazy."
Others, however, are choosing optimism, relieved that the show's future on the BBC is secure. One commenter noted, "BBC was never going to let one of, if not its most valuable property go away." Intriguingly, reports suggest the 2026 special has already impressed BBC executives in early previews, with Radio Times noting they were "left stunned" by the plans.
While the wait for the main series continues, fans do have one related show to enjoy. The spin-off series 'The War Between the Land and the Sea', starring Russell Tovey, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, and Jemma Redgrave, is currently airing its five-episode run on BBC One, concluding on December 21st.
