The BBC announced the cancelation of the the “Doctor Who” Christmas special amid a shakeup June 10, the same day acclaimed writer and producer Russell T. Davies revealed his departure from the show.
The corporation announced the decision and called on production firms to come forward to co-produce the next series by saying they would place the show out for competitive tender, according to a press release. Davies addressed the news in a lengthy post shared on Instagram.
“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 began.
“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 provided more insight into what he said transpired.
“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! For the record: there was no script, I never wrote it, and no actor was ever approached to play the next Doctor,” Davies said.
“You may disagree; fine, sit in that chair and wait to be proved right. You’ll wait a lonnng time 🪑.”
Today we’re announcing an update on plans for the future of Doctor Who. Read all about it on the Doctor Who website ➡️ https://t.co/G93OPLuur0 pic.twitter.com/Swb1f8vb5n
— Doctor Who (@bbcdoctorwho) June 10, 2026
“This decision was not taken lightly, and we know it will be disappointing for fans,” the BCC said.
They continued, “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.”
The corportation said the change was implemented as “part of securing the next phase of the show for future generations.”
Davies concluded his post with a tone of optimism, and turned his focus to the future. (RELATED: Famed Pulitzer Prize-Winner Gordon Wood Dies In Tragic Collision)
“Now I’m as excited as anyone to see what comes next! Will they keep the theme tune? Will they lose the blue box? Will they bring back the Drahvin?! It’s all up for grabs, which is so Doctor Who, exciting and unpredictable and new! Here comes the future, vworp vworp 🌪️,” he wrote.
“Doctor Who” was co-produced by production company Bad Wolf beginning in 2023, while BBC and Disney + entered into a deal to co-produce and distribute the series on an international level, according to the BBC. Disney was on board for 26 episodes before their involvement came to an end.