Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies has hinted that an announcement regarding the next actor to play the Time Lord could come within days. Speaking on BBC Radio 2, Davies confirmed that a press release is currently making its way through the BBC's approval process and should be released in the next week or two.
Davies Teases Upcoming Doctor Who Announcement
When asked by DJ Gary Davies whether fans could expect an announcement about the Doctor soon, Russell replied: "You will get an announcement. There's a press release lumbering through the BBC, which, as you know, is like the Jurassic period. 57 people have to sign off on every single word. So I promise you, in about a week or two weeks, there'll be some sort of press release, and yet I can hear the gear slowing down, even as I say that. You know this place."
Christmas Special Status Uncertain
Last month, a report claimed that the planned Christmas special, which was expected to air on BBC1 over the festive season, could be delayed and may instead broadcast at Easter 2027. The report also stated that producers were continuing their search for the next actor to take on the role of the Doctor. At the time, the BBC declined to comment on the story.
Ncuti Gatwa, who played the Doctor, departed the series a year ago in the episode "The Reality War," the finale of season 15 which aired in May 2025. He has yet to be replaced.
Davies Discusses Showrunner Role
Writer Russell T Davies is currently promoting his Channel 4 series Tip Toe and faced questions about Doctor Who during his radio appearance. He explained more about his role as showrunner, a position he returned to ahead of Doctor Who's 60th anniversary after rebooting the series in 2005.
Russell said: "I kind of keep it running. It's scripts, actors, casting, when you're finding Ncuti Gatwa, who had just come out of Sex Education, keeping your eye on business, like who's the next upcoming star? Oh my god, Ncuti - what a meteor of a star he is."
He added: "It's also the other end of it with the budget and the schedules and what's on location where, and the writers, of course, and getting directors in. It's kind of running everything, but helped by a vast team of people - please don't think it's just me, as much as I like to claim otherwise!"
BBC's Previous Commitment
Announcing the festive Doctor Who special seven months ago, Lindsay Salt, Director of Drama, said: "The BBC remains fully committed to Doctor Who, which continues to be one of our most loved dramas, and we are delighted that Russell T Davies has agreed to write us another spectacular Christmas special for 2026."
Fans will now be eagerly awaiting the official announcement to learn who will be the next Time Lord.
