More bad news incoming for Doctor Who fans as it might be a while before a new series of the BBC sci-fi staple returns to our screens. Speculations that the show could be off the air for years after 2026's Christmas special was cancelled and the series is undergoing a major creative overhaul have started circulating online.
As reported by Deadline, it appears that the window for a return to the Whoniverse will be longer than anticipated.
With showrunner Russell T Davies and production company Bad Wolf gone, sources have indicated that there might not be a regeneration until 2028 at the earliest.
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Originally planned for this festive season, the Christmas special was axed yesterday following weeks of rumours of a delay to Easter 2027.
"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," an official statement from the BBC read.
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For his part, Davies confirmed there was no script and "no actor was ever approached to play the next Doctor" after Ncuti Gatwa bowed out in a shocking regeneration twist.
"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," he said.
Related: What's next for Doctor Who following the turbulent show's temporary cancellation?
"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," Davies added.
"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!"
Doctor Who airs on BBC One in the UK, with classic episodes available via BBC iPlayer.
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Stefania is a freelance writer specialising in TV and movies. After graduating from City University, London, she covered LGBTQ+ news and pursued a career in entertainment journalism, with her work appearing in outlets including Little White Lies, The Skinny, Radio Times and Digital Spy.
Her beats are horror films and period dramas, especially if fronted by queer women. She can argue why Scream is the best slasher in four languages (and a half).
