The BBC no longer has plans to produce a Doctor Who Christmas special, and showrunner Russell T Davies and production company Bad Wolf. They officially left the programme as the broadcaster looks for a new production partner.
The BBC announced in October 2025 that a Doctor Who Christmas special written by Davies would air in December 2026. However, the special has been cancelled, and the BBC is now asking other production companies to come forward as co-producers for future series.
Davies took the opportunity to address the news directly on Instagram. “Goodbye from me but hello to a big new future for the show” he wrote. “only cooked that up to guarantee a future when no one knew what would happen.” He also clarified rumors about the cancelled episode, adding, “For the record: there was no script, I never wrote it, and no actor was ever approached to play the next Doctor.”
Davies was responsible for the eras of the Ninth and Tenth Doctors
As the architect of the 2005 Doctor Who revival. Davies was responsible for the eras of the Ninth and Tenth Doctors, portrayed by Christopher Eccleston and David Tennant. He initially left in 2010 but returned in 2023 for the show’s 60th anniversary. His second tenure, replacing Chris Chibnall, ran from 2023 to 2025.
The final series under his tenure aired in May 2025 and marked the final regular appearances of Ncuti Gatwa, who announced his exit after two seasons. The finale saw his Doctor regenerate, concluding with the surprise return of Billie Piper though whether she will portray the next Doctor has not been confirmed.
After partnering with Cardiff-based Bad Wolf for co-production starting in 2023, the BBC’s distribution agreement with Disney+ came to an end in 2025 after 26 episodes.
For a franchise more than 60-years-old, this is genuinely a major reset. No confirmed showrunner, no confirmed Doctor, no Christmas special in 2026. The BBC said it was choosing “to push forward to invest in the long-term future of the show.” And that “when the Tardis lands once more, it does so in all its glory.” The BBC Studios will retain all intellectual property rights while continuing to manage global distribution, licensing and consumer products.
An announced Doctor Who animated series for CBeebies is still in the works.
Davies was visibly thrilled about what lies ahead for the show he has been involved with twice already. “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.” We’ll just have to take his word for it.
