DOCTOR WHO: BBC BOSSES TALK ABOUT FUTURE OF SERIES AND SPIN-OFF AT TV FESTIVAL

BBC commissioners have spoken publicly for the first time about the future of Doctor Who, which has been in a state of limbo since the conclusion of its second series earlier this year which ended with the departure of lead actor Ncuti Gatwa.

Doctor Who logo/ BBC

Gatwa's regeneration was tagged onto the episode finale following the star's late decision to leave the show which forced a rewrite and reshoot to the original ending of the series. Gatwa debuted during the 60th anniversary specials in 2023 and was in the lead role for two series and two Christmas specials.

The uncertainty around the series has been caused by Disney's continuing failure to confirm whether or not it plans to renew its deal with the BBC for the international distribution rights. Because of this, it means Russell T Davies' vision of yearly Doctor Who hasn't been possible.

Speaking at the annual Edinburgh Television Festival, BBC's newly-appointed Director Of Content Kate Phillips said when asked about Doctor Who: "Rest assured Doctor Who is going nowhere. Disney has been a great partnership and it continues with The War Between The Land And The Sea next year." adding "with or without Disney, Doctor Who will still be on the BBC."

Later in the session, the BBC's Director Of Drama Lindsay Salt added: " "there's no update at the moment" on Doctor Who but "we will share as soon as we can". She says the BBC is committed to Doctor Who as one of its biggest brands and the show is "hugely important to us"."

Earlier this Summer, Tom Fussell, CEO of BBC Studios (the commercial production arm of the BBC), spoke about the future of Doctor Who following the release of the BBC's Annual Report.

The Fifteenth Doctor and companions Belinda Chandra and Ruby Sunday

Fussell said BBC Studios are "really committed to Doctor Who" and are "continuing to look at ways in which we can bring the show to fans". He added "Fans love the Doctor Who brand. It's been that way since before I was in short trousers.

Commenting on the continuing uncertainty around the Disney+ partnership, Fussell praised the streamer as a "crucial partner" to BBC Studios as a whole, adding "we share a lot of the same values so I’m really proud of the way that relationship has worked."

The BBC are to launch new Doctor Who spin-off The War Between The Land And The Sea with lead cast Russell Tovey, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Jemma Redgrave, and Alexander Devrient. The series is co-written by Russell T Davies and Pete McTighe.

The synopsis for the show reads: "When a fearsome and ancient species emerges from the ocean, dramatically revealing themselves to humanity, an international crisis is triggered. With the entire population at risk, UNIT step into action as the land and sea wage war."

Russell Tovey and Gugu Mbatha-Raw in The War Between The Land And The Sea

Meanwhile, the BBC is set to expand the Whoniverse as it launches plans for a brand new pre-school animation series which will see the Doctor’s adventures come to CBeebies for the first time ever.

The BBC is looking for a passionate production company to create and produce the series, which will run independently from the main show, that will see the Doctor travelling through time and space for the pre-school audience, solving mysteries and problems alongside their companions and other friends. And, of course, they may come up against one or two challenges on their way…

More details will be announced in due course.