Doctor Who Christmas special episode is AXED as BBC put show out to tender to ‘invest in its long-term future’ as Russell T Davies insists ‘there was never a script and no actors were approached to take on the role’

Doctor Who’s Christmas special has been canceled as the BBC went to competitive bidding to ‘invest in its long-term future’.

The BBC released a statement on Wednesday saying: ‘As part of securing the show’s next phase 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 supports the BBC’s continued commitment to Doctor Who and ensures audiences will enjoy the series for years to come.

After careful consideration, the BBC, Russell T Davies and Bad Wolf have decided not to proceed with the previously announced Doctor Who Christmas episode.

‘This decision has not been taken lightly and we know it will be disappointing for fans, but to prepare the show for future series we have decided that rather than making up the difference with a one-off special, we have chosen to invest in the long-term future of the show ensuring that when the TARDIS lands once again it will do so in all its glory.

Russell T Davies said on Instagram shortly after the news broke: ‘For the record: there was no script, I never wrote it and no actors were approached to play the next Doctor.’

‘The previously announced new Doctor Who animated series for CBeebies is currently in production. Details of the tender will be announced in the coming days.

‘The BBC retains all Doctor Who IP. BBC Studios will continue to lead the global distribution of Doctor Who on behalf of the BBC, as well as licensing, consumer products, digital and immersive experiences.’

Davies said on Instagram shortly after the news broke: ‘Goodbye to Doctor Who from me but HELLO to a big new future for the series as the BBC announces it will put the series out to tender.

‘As a result, there will be no Christmas Special; We prepared this only to ensure a future where no one knows what will happen, but now we know there is no need for that. You’ll have to wait a little longer for the new Doctor Who… but you’ll expect more from a Doctor Who one-off.

‘So it’s worth it! For the record: there was no script, I never wrote it and no actors were approached to play the next Doctor.

‘You may not accept it; Okay, sit in that chair and wait for you to be proven right. You will wait a long time. Now I’m as excited as everyone else to see what comes next! Will they keep the theme tune?

Ncuti Gatwa and Nicola Coughlan pictured in Doctor Who’s 2024 Christmas special

Last year, Ncuti Gatwa turned Billie Piper’s old friend Rose Tyler from Time Lord.

Will they lose the blue box? Will they bring Drahvin back? Everything is up for grabs, it’s exciting, unpredictable and new, just like Doctor Who! Here comes the future, vworp vworp.’

It was claimed last month BBC bosses struggled to find an actor to take on the once coveted role now considered the ‘poisoned chalice’.

The sci-fi series has been paused for an extended hiatus for the first time since ending its big-budget partnership with Disney+ amid criticism over recent plots involving non-binary aliens, incels and even a pregnant extraterrestrial alien.

According to reports, bosses were working hard to find a new Doctor as they were also participating in the festive special.

Last year, she transformed into Billie Piper’s old friend Rose Tyler, who emerged from Ncuti Gatwa’s Time Lord. You can read the full story here.

One source claimed: ‘Despite assurances that the show would return to our screens with a new series, there has been no confirmation from executives as to when this will happen.

‘The problem is that it’s hard to find someone to take on the role of the 16th Time Lord, partly because it now feels like a role that comes with all the baggage of the latest series.

they continued to tell Sun: ‘There are fears that even if they manage to put something together it will be a poor cousin to the previous Christmas specials which have always been loved by fans.’

Disney+’s investment in Doctor Who has been massive, with the platform reportedly spending an estimated £100 million on two seasons and specials.

The publication reported at the time that the budget per episode could range from £1 to £3 million, or even up to £10 million.

Gatwa said in a statement following his exit: ‘You know, when you get cast you’re going to have to hand back that sonic screwdriver at some point and it’ll all be over, but nothing can quite prepare you for that.

‘This journey has been a role I will never forget and will be a part of me forever. There are no words to describe what it feels like to be cast as the doctor, no words to describe what it feels like to be cast in this iconic role that has been around for over 60 years and is truly loved by so many people around the world.

‘The fans are truly the final character and beating heart of this show, and I can’t thank the Whoniverse and the Whovians enough for having me and making this such a touching experience.

‘I’ve loved every minute of it, but now it’s time to hand over the keys to that beloved blue box and let someone else take control and enjoy it as much as I do.

‘I will truly miss him and will be forever grateful to him and everyone who played a part in my journey as the Doctor.’

Reacting to the news, Piper said: ‘It’s no secret how much I love this show and I’ve always said I’d love to return to the Whoniverse because I’ve made some of my fondest memories there, so being given the opportunity to step back into the Tardis once again was something I couldn’t refuse.’

A small number of social media critics noted the diversity of the cast, the transgender villain, and the introduction of transgender and non-binary characters.

But both Gatwa and showrunner Russell T Davies strongly rejected this criticism as coming from a minority, with Davies telling BBC Radio 2: ‘Someone always raises diversity issues.

‘And there are online warriors who accuse us of diversity and wokeness, accusing us of meddling in messages and issues.

‘And I don’t have time for this. I don’t have a second to endure this. Because what you might call diversity, I just call an open door.’

The actor told Behaviour magazine, she wrote in a 2024 issue that the hateful comments the sci-fi series received after casting a black man were “fascinating, because there’s so much energy they put into this show… I think it’s another thing for them to go and find a hobby.”

During her time, she has had friends such as Andorian actress Varada Sethu and former Coronation Street actress Millie Gibson, who has played Gatwa’s friend Ruby Sunday since the 2023 Christmas episode The Church On Ruby Road.

Highlights of his two series include a Regency-themed episode in which he develops a budding romance with Rogue, played by Mindhunter actor Jonathan Groff, the explosive Boom episode, and the arrival of classic Time Lord villain Rani.