The BBC has confirmed that Doctor Who will return with a Christmas special next year, penned by showrunner Russell T Davies.
In an announcement made Tuesday, the corporation also stated that it will conclude its partnership with Disney+ – the international home of the science fiction program for the previous two seasons – for the upcoming season.
However, producers affirmed the BBC’s “fully committed” status to the series and indicated that plans for the next season will be announced “in due course to ensure the Doctor’s adventures continue”.
Lindsay Salt, director of drama at the BBC, expressed gratitude to Disney+ for “being terrific global partners and collaborators over the past two seasons” and for the forthcoming spin-off series, The War Between The Land And The Sea.
Despite this, the precise return date for Doctor Who remains uncertain, as does the identity of the actor who will assume the titular role moving forward.
Salt addressed concerns raised by some fans following reports suggesting the show might have been permanently shelved.
“The BBC remains fully committed to Doctor Who, which continues to be one of our most loved dramas, and we are delighted that Russell T Davies has agreed to write us another spectacular Christmas special for 2026,” she stated.
“We can assure fans, the Doctor is not going anywhere, and we will be announcing plans for the next series in due course, which will ensure the Tardis remains at the heart of the BBC.”
Doctor Who, which debuted in 1963, was last seen on screens in May of this year, culminating in the regeneration of Ncuti Gatwa into Billie Piper in the series finale.
Piper, who previously portrayed the Doctor’s companion, Rose Tyler, issued a statement at the time expressing her delight at returning to the show, though she noted that fans would have to “wait and see” what her character does next.
While the introduction of a new Doctor traditionally occurs through regeneration, Piper’s statement left unclear whether she will be the 16th Doctor.
The spin-off show The War Between The Land And The Sea, featuring Being Human actor Russell Tovey, is scheduled to air on BBC One later this year.
Additionally, a new Doctor Who animated series is currently in development for CBeebies.
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