A BBC executive has shared their hopeful verdict for the future of Doctor Who.
Fans of the beloved sci-fi were left devastated when it was announced in October that Disney will not partner with the show on any future series.
However, the Time Lord and his team will be back on the small screen with a Christmas special penned by showrunner Russell T Davies.
Amid increasing doubt over the show’s guture, Zai Bennett, who is CEO and Chief Creative Officer, BBC Studios Global Content, was asked whether BBC Studios will "stump up" some money to keep the show going.
He told Deadline he "won’t speak for the BBC" but that "we’re all in it together" in terms of persisting with the series.
He added: "We’re a big important part of Doctor Who and are all motivated to make sure Doctor Who has a long and flourishing life.”
Bennett said: “We’ve got the Christmas special coming. After that, it’s time for us all to work on it."
This echoes what the BBC said in October, which is that the broadcaster is devoted to keeping the show alive.
“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,” they said in a statement.
“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.”
The Doctor was most recently played by Sex Education actor Ncuti Gatwa in two series and two specials.
His final episode aired last May and he appeared to be replaced by former Doctor Who companion Billie Piper when his character regenerated.
Fans were left divided over the twist, with one telling PA at the time: “I think we’ve just had what I would have called EastEnders in space. I am absolutely shocked, irritated, frustrated, people are contacting me now in absolute shock and horror at what’s just happened.
“It’s lazy writing, hodgepodge of exposition, escapism, nonsense, (Davies) was throwing every toy from the Doctor Who box at the telly, hoping that some of it would make sense in the way of entertaining you.”
Another added: “It was an episode which threw the kitchen sink in terms of returning characters, Jodie Whittaker and obviously now Billie Piper as well, as the new Doctor.
“I’m a bit speechless, to be honest, there’s quite a lot of stuff to take in, but I think it was an interesting episode which pivoted in the middle to tell two different stories, one wrapping up the end of that season and obviously telling Ncuti Gatwa’s regeneration as well, so very enjoyable.”
Reflecting on Piper’s possible comeback, Davies said: "It’s an honour and a hoot to welcome her back to the TARDIS.
“But quite how and why and who is a story yet to be told. After 62 years, the Doctor’s adventures are only just beginning."
