David Tennant drops 'big hint' that a Doctor Who Christmas special could land this year
Fans are convinced David is reprising the roleDavid Tennant has sparked excitement that a Doctor Who Christmas special is on its way.
The actor, who is famed for playing The Tenth Doctor, sent the rumour mill into a spin after making a cryptic announcement to fans.
David, 54, had been due to appear at a Comic Con event in March, but he has unexpectedly pulled out.
Fans of Doctor Who are now convinced this could mean a brand new festive episode is on its way.
David Tennant pulls out of Comic Con
David got fans excited after sharing a new video on X, formerly known as Twitter.
He had been due to appear at Emerald City Comic Con in the US but has pulled out with just weeks to go.
Emerald City Comic Con is a four-day event, held in Seattle in Washington, and this year runs from March 5-8, 2026. Other names on the bill for 2026 include Star Wars legends William Shatner and Hayden Christensen.
David was due to be jetting across the pond to meet Doctor Who fans on one of the dates it is running. But fans are now being offered refunds for pre-booked photo opportunities and autographs.
Announcing the cancellation, David said: “Hello, Emerald City. David Tennant here. I’m really sad to say I just can’t make it to the convention next month.
“I’m gutted. I thought I was going to be able to make it. But my schedule is just getting more and more squeezed and getting in and out for just one day has finally defeated me.
“I’m so sorry, I know you’ll have a wonderful time because I’ve been there and it’s great. I really hope toy’ll ask me again next year.
David finished his message by apologising again and said he “misses everyone”.
Due to a scheduling conflict, David Tennant is no longer able to join us at ECCC 2026. We look forward to our schedules aligning in the future & hopefully having him with us next year! If you purchased a photo op or autographing through Epic, they will email you with next steps. pic.twitter.com/mGhvi9E6qJ
— Emerald City Comic Con (@emeraldcitycon) February 4, 2026
Is David filming a Doctor Who Christmas Special?
David has not given an exact reason for his busy schedule. But that hasn’t stopped fans from speculating.
Many of them are convinced it means he is reprising the role of The Time Lord for an upcoming Doctor Who Christmas special.
Filming for TV festival specials typically takes place months in advance of December. Actors’ schedules have to align and there needs to be time for editing and post-production.
So could this be why David can’t fly off to the States next month? These Doctor Who fans think so!
Writing on X, one said: “Doctor Who Christmas Special starring David Tennant filming soon?”
The unofficial Doctor Who Production News account added: “I don’t know what David Tennant’s scheduling conflict is but…”
A third penned: “It’s probs filming Doctor Who honestly!” And someone else mused: “It’s a toss up between Sixteenth Doctor and leader of the Labour Party!”
Could it be? Watch this space!
