BBC commissioners have spoken publicly for the first time about the future of Doctor Who, which has been in a state of limbo since the conclusion of series 15 earlier this year which ended with the departure of lead actor Ncuti Gatwa.
Gatwa’s regeneration was tagged onto the episode finale following the star’s late decision to leave the show which forced a rewrite and reshoot to the original ending of the series. Gatwa debuted during the 60th anniversary specials in 2023 and was in the lead role for two series and two Christmas specials.
The uncertainty around the series has been caused by Disney’s continuing failure to confirm whether or not it plans to renew its deal with the BBC for the international distribution rights. Because of this, it means Russell T Davies’ vision of yearly Doctor Who hasn’t been possible.
“Rest assured Doctor Who is going nowhere. Disney has been a great partnership and it continues with The War Between The Land And The Sea next year.” adding “with or without Disney, Doctor Who will still be on the BBC.”
Later in the session, the BBC’s Director Of Drama Lindsay Salt added:
“There’s no update at the moment” on Doctor Who but “we will share as soon as we can”. She says the BBC is committed to Doctor Who as one of its biggest brands and the show is “hugely important to us”.
Earlier this Summer, Tom Fussell, CEO of BBC Studios (the commercial production arm of the BBC), spoke about the future of Doctor Who following the release of the BBC’s Annual Report.
Fussell said BBC Studios are “really committed to Doctor Who” and are “continuing to look at ways in which we can bring the show to fans”. He added “Fans love the Doctor Who brand. It’s been that way since before I was in short trousers.
“When a fearsome and ancient species emerges from the ocean, dramatically revealing themselves to humanity, an international crisis is triggered. With the entire population at risk, UNIT step into action as the land and sea wage war.”
Yes I agree, they do sound somewhat familiar, don’t they?
These comments are the same ones Peter Cregeen was making in 1989. We’re committed, it’s just going to take a little longer between seasons, we love Doctor Who, it’s not being axed.
16 years later…