The BBC is putting flagship drama Doctor Who out to tender after cutting ties with Bad Wolf and scrapping a planned Christmas special.
The corporation said that the BBC, Bad Wolf and showrunner Russell T Davies have collectively decided not to go ahead with the special, which was announced last year after leaving the show on a cliffhanger with Ncuti Gatwa's Doctor regenerating into Billie Piper, who played the former companion Rose.
“This decision was not taken lightly, and we know it will be disappointing for fans,” the BBC said.
“But in order to set the show up for future series, it was decided that rather than bridge the gap with a oneoff 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.”
Davies said on Instagram: "There's 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. 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!"
The BBC will put the show out to a competitive tender this year.
Bad Wolf made three 2023 specials followed by two series of the show and five-part spin-off The War Betwen the Land of the Sea. Disney had been a partner broadcaster on these series but pulled the plug on the partnership last year.
The BBC retains all Doctor Who IP and BBC Studios will continue to lead global distribution of the show, plus all licensing, consumer products, digital and immersive experiences.
A pre-school animated spin-off for CBeebies, made by Blue Zoo Animation, is still going ahead.
