DOCTOR WHO: BBC BOSS ON 'WORKING HARD' TO REBOOT SERIES, BBC STUDIOS CONFIRMS TENDER BID

With the release of the BBC's annual commissioning report today, the new BBC Director General Matt Britton gave an update on the future of Doctor Who.

Britton said (via Deadline): "[Doctor Who is a] show that has regenerated multiple times in its 60-plus year history, and we’ll do so again. I think that’s one of the great things about the 100-year history of the BBC. We can do that, and we can creatively renew shows that people love, and we’ll be working hard on that right now."

Speaking to Deadline Hollywood, BBC Studios CEO Tom Fussell said: "We've been the producer for 60 years, and we want to be the producer for another 60 years, so we will be going for that tender with gusto. We are in it to win it.".

Fussell added, when questioned on which of the BBC Studios labels would be pitching for the BBC sci-fi show: "We've got the full breadth of our studio to look at that, and we will do the best for an absolute adored brand. As the distributor and commercial licensor, we understand those fan relationships and can build on that. Doctor Who is something that people in this organization care passionately about."

Last month the BBC explained: "As part of securing the next phase of the show 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 underpins the BBC’s continued commitment to Doctor Who ensuring audiences will enjoy the show for years to come.

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

The previously announced new Doctor Who animation series for CBeebies is currently in production. Details of the tender will be announced in due course.

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

Previous series of Doctor Who are available now on BBC iPlayer.