The BBC has issued an update on the future of Doctor Who, and it brings disappointing news for fans. The corporation has announced the cancellation of the Christmas special, acknowledging that the decision 'was not taken lightly' and that it would be 'disappointing' for viewers.
In addition, showrunner Russell T Davies has confirmed he is leaving the series. In an Instagram post, he wrote: '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.'
Has Doctor Who Been Cancelled?
The BBC has not said that Doctor Who is cancelled. In a statement on June 10, the BBC explained: '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.'
The statement added: '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.'
Christmas Special Cancelled
While the show's future is uncertain, the Christmas special has definitely been axed. The BBC stated: '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.'
They continued: '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 explains 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. These opportunities are open to any independent production company meeting eligibility criteria, along with BBC Studios.
Doctor Who first aired on the BBC in 1963. The latest series wrapped last year, with Ncuti Gatwa's Doctor regenerating. The show had been co-produced by Bad Wolf, and a Disney deal that made the entertainment company the show's global home outside the UK and Ireland ended in 2025. Doctor Who airs in the UK on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
