Billie Piper in Doctor Who S02E08 / BBC
The BBC’s chief content officer has confirmed that the corporation is committed to Doctor Who amid uncertainty over its future.
The long-running sci-fi show is currently on a hiatus as the BBC’s production partner for the last few years, Disney+, has yet to make a decision on whether to remain involved in future.
The main show’s latest series concluded in May with Ncuti Gatwa appearing to regenerate into a new version of The Doctor played by Billie Piper.
Showrunner Russell T Davies has previously hinted that the show may go on a rest, but speaking at the Edinburgh TV Festival, chief content officer Kate Phillips assured fans that it will be back regardless.
“Any Whovians out there, rest assured – Doctor Who is going nowhere,” she said. “Disney has been a great partnership – and it continues with The War Between The Land and The Sea next year – but going forward, with or without Disney, Doctor Who will still be on the BBC… The TARDIS is going nowhere.”
BBC drama director Lindsay Salt added: “The BBC is always committed to that brand. In drama it is the biggest brand with under-35s, so it’s hugely important.”
The confirmation of a new airdate of 2026 for spinoff miniseries The War Between The Land and The Sea – the show had previously been earmarked for late 2025 – suggests that Disney+’s decision may not come for some time, with the implication that new Doctor Who episodes may not air until 2027 at the earliest.
