BBC confirms Doctor Who will go out to competitive tender – after 63 years on air

The long-running sci-fi show has aired on the BBC since 1963. The show will be put out to “competitive tender” this year

David Tennant returns as The Doctor

he BBC has shared an update on the future of Doctor Who. The sci-fi series, which has aired on the British broadcaster since 1963, will be put out to “competitive tender” this year, meaning the 2026 Christmas special has been cancelled.

It comes amid speculation about the future of the long-running programme after Ncuti Gatwa concluded his tenure as the 15th incarnation of the Doctor.

According to the BBC, a competitive tender is where production companies are invited to “pitch for the opportunity to make an existing returning series on a ‘work for hire basis.’”

Doctor Who ,The Doctor (Ncuti Gatwa) and Ruby Sunday (Millie Gibson),BBC STUDIOS 2023,James Pardon© BBC/James Pardon
Ncuti Gatwa recently concluded his tenure as the 15th Doctor

In a statement issued by the BBC, it said: “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.”

Pearl Mackie and Peter Capaldi in a promotional image for Doctor Who© Tim P. Whitby
Peter Capaldi played the Twelfth Doctor for four years

The statement continued: “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.”

A statement from Russell T Davies

Taking to Instagram, Russell T Davies, who returned as showrunner ahead of the 60th anniversary specials, bid farewell to the programme.

David Tennant and Catherine Tate in Doctor Who 60th Anniversary Specials© Zoe McConnell and Alistair Heap
David Tennant served as the Tenth Doctor from 2005 to 2010

“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,” penned Russell. “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.

“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.”

Russell continued: “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.”

CRE: https://www.hellomagazine.com/film/906564/bbc-confirms-doctor-who-will-go-out-to-competitive-tender/