As fans continue to wait for news on the future of Doctor Who, after the 2026 Christmas special was cancelled and it was confirmed the show would be put out to tender, the BBC’s new director general has offered a small update on the behind-the-scenes progression.
The director-general, Matt Brittin, has previously expressed his own personal love for the sci-fi series, and has now promised that the BBC will “regenerate” the show once again.
Speaking as the BBC published its annual report, Brittin said: “That’s a show that has regenerated multiple times in its 60-plus year history, and we’ll do so again.
“I think that’s one of the great things about the 100-year history of the BBC. We can do that, and we can creatively renew shows that people love, and we’ll be working hard on that right now.”
While no timeline has been given for the tender process surrounding Doctor Who or for the show’s return, recent reports have suggested that it may not return to screens until 2028 at the earliest.
Regardless, Russell T Davies, who has now departed as showrunner, has said that this process will secure the show’s future for years, explaining: “No one’s going to apply for tender for one year. You’ve got to lock in just to make it financially worthwhile, so I think this guarantees years of the programme.”
When the tender process was first confirmed, the BBC said in a statement that “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”.
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The broadcaster also confirmed at that time that its previously announced animated Doctor Who spin-off, which will be aimed at children and air on CBeebies, is currently in production.
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Authors
James Hibbs is a Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering programmes across both streaming platforms and linear channels. He previously worked in PR, first for a B2B agency and subsequently for international TV production company Fremantle. He possesses a BA in English and Theatre Studies and an NCTJ Level 5 Diploma in Journalism.
