The BBC has announced a major update on the future of Doctor Who, confirming that the long-running sci-fi series will be put out to competitive tender later this year.
In a statement published on June 10, the broadcaster said the decision forms part of plans to “secure the next phase” of the show for future generations, while reiterating that Doctor Who “remains an important part of the BBC”.
The BBC said the competitive tender process is in line with its Charter and Agreement requirements, and that further details will be announced “in due course”.
‘Doctor Who’ 2026 Christmas Special Cancelled, Reveals Russell T Davies
The update also confirms that the previously announced Doctor Who Christmas episode will no longer go ahead. The special had been expected to bridge the gap before the next major chapter of the series, but the BBC, Russell T Davies and Bad Wolf have “collectively decided” not to move forward with it.
“This decision was not taken lightly, and we know it will be disappointing for fans,” the BBC said. However, the broadcaster explained that the focus is now on investing in the long-term future of the show, rather than moving ahead with a one-off special.
Following the BBC’s announcement, Russell T Davies appeared to confirm that his current time on Doctor Who has come to an end, writing on Instagram: “And so GOODBYE from me to Doctor Who but HELLO to a big new future for the show.”
Davies also offered further context around the cancelled Christmas special, explaining that the episode had only been planned to “guarantee a future when no one knew what would happen”. According to Davies, there is now “no need for it”, with the show instead moving towards a longer-term future.
He also clarified that there was “no script”, that he “never wrote it”, and that “no actor was ever approached to play the next Doctor”.
The former showrunner also said he is “as excited as anyone” to see what comes next for the series, joking about whether the next era will keep the theme tune, lose the blue box, or bring back the Drahvin.
“When the TARDIS lands once more, it does so in all its glory”.
The BBC added that the aim is to ensure that “when the TARDIS lands once more, it does so in all its glory”.
While the future of the main series is now entering a new phase, the previously announced new Doctor Who animation series for CBeebies is still in production.
The BBC also confirmed that it retains all intellectual property rights in Doctor Who. BBC Studios will continue to lead global distribution, licensing, consumer products, digital and immersive experiences on behalf of the BBC.
The announcement follows months of speculation around the future of Doctor Who, particularly following the end of the show’s most recent run and ongoing questions over what form the next chapter would take.
For now, fans will have to wait for the BBC to reveal further details of the tender process, as well as who will be involved in bringing the next era of Doctor Who to screens.
Doctor Who is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
