Doctor Who’s Christmas special has officially been cancelled, with the BBC announcing its plans for the future of the series.
Following reports about the future of the series, the BBC has confirmed that it will “put Doctor Who out to competitive tender” this year. The 2026 Christmas special will no longer air, with Russell T Davies confirming he’s stepping down as showrunner.
The statement reads: “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.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“The previously announced new Doctor Who animation series for CBeebies is currently in production. Details of the tender will be announced in due course.
“The BBC retains all IP in Doctor Who. BBC Studios will continue to lead the global distribution of Doctor Who as well as licensing, consumer products, digital and immersive experiences on behalf of the BBC.”
Davies, who returned as showrunner ahead of the 60th anniversary specials, also shared a statement on Instagram, confirming his departure.
He said: “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.
“As a result, there won’t be a Christmas Special – we only cooked that up to guarantee a future when no one knew what would happen, but now we do know, there’s no need for it.
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“You’ll have to wait a bit longer for new Doctor Who… but you’ll be waiting for MORE Doctor Who than a one-off. So it’s worth it! For the record: there was no script, I never wrote it, and no actor was ever approached to play the next Doctor.
“You may disagree; fine, sit in that chair and wait to be proved right. You’ll wait a lonnng time.”Now I’m as excited as anyone to see what comes next! Will they keep the theme tune? Will they lose the blue box? Will they bring back the Drahvin?! It’s all up for grabs, which is so Doctor Who, exciting and unpredictable and new! Here comes the future, vworp vworp.”
Meanwhile, production company Bad Wolf also shared a statement, saying: “It has been a joy and privilege to have been at the helm of the TARDIS alongside the brilliant Russell T Davies.
“Doctor Who is – and always will be – a show that shines light into the darkness and it has been an absoltue honour to have been its torch bearer for 26 episodes with the BBC and Disney+.
“Thank you for joining us on this incredible journey through Space and Time and most of all – thank you to the fans. Allons-y, Alonso!”
The news comes just over a year after Doctor Who’s episode The Reality War, which saw Ncuti Gatwa depart the TARDIS, with his Fifteenth Doctor regenerating into returning star Billie Piper.
During Gatwa’s tenure as the 15th Doctor, the BBC partnered with Disney for the first time, giving the team an expanded budget and an international home.
The partnership resulted in 26 episodes of Doctor Who – namely, the 2023 specials starring a returning David Tenannt and two seasons of Gatwa’s tenure in the TARDIS, as well as the spin-off The War Between the Land and the Sea.
However, it was announced in October last year that Disney will not partner on any future seasons.
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