Doctor Who's future uncertain as Christmas Special 2026 'axed' and writer Russell T Davies announces he's left
'The Doctor will not return this year'
Doctor Who will not be returning in 2026 with a Christmas special, the BBC has confirmed. And, in a further shock, showrunner Russell T Davies has left the drama.
Despite previously confirming there would be a festive edition of the popular sci-fi drama, the Beeb have now had to back down on their promise. Of course the announcement has left millions of the show’s die-hard fans disappointed, many of whom include children.
The Doctor Who Christmas special is a staple of festive TV, and largely airs every single year on Christmas Day. However, fans did not get a Doctor Who Christmas special in 2025 either. The BBC opted to focus on the spin-off series The War Between the Land and the Sea instead.
But now the future of the show has been left with a big question mark above it. Here’s everything we know so far.
Is there a Doctor Who Christmas special in 2026?
BBC One has confirmed that there won’t be a Christmas special of Doctor Who in 2026, despite having previously said there would be.
The show has been cancelled while the BBC plans the next phase of the sci-fi show. The channel announced last year that there would be a festive special in 2026, but confirmed today (Wednesday, June 10, 2026) that it will no longer proceed.
In a statement, the corporation said the decision to cancel the Christmas episode was made “after careful consideration” and “had not been taken lightly”.
It continued: “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.”
Don't miss a single story! Add us as a Preferred Source in Google for all your television news
The BBC said the plan was “part of securing the next phase of the show for future generations”.
The last series of Doctor Who aired in May 2025, and starred Ncuti Gatwa. However, he subsequently announced he was leaving after two series. The finale saw his Doctor regenerate into Billie Piper, who previously played The Doctor’s companion Rose Tyler in the show.
Since 2023, Doctor Who had been co-produced by Disney+. But their involvement came to an end in 2025 after 26 episodes. They will no longer be involved in the show.
A previously announced new Doctor Who animation series for CBeebies remains in production.
Russell T Davies will not be returning
Meanwhile, showrunner Russell T Davies has confirmed he has left the TV series. He announced the news on his official Instagram. The Tip Toe writer said: “It is goodbye from me but hello to a big new future for the show.” He also teased: “You’ll have to wait a bit longer for new Doctor Who.”
The entire statement said: “And so GOODBYE from me to Doctor Who but HELLO to a big new future for the show, as the BBC announces it’s putting the show out to tender.
“As a result, there won’t be a Christmas Special. We only cooked that up to guarantee a future when no one knew what would happen. But, now we do know, there’s no need for it. You’ll have to wait a bit longer for new Doctor Who… But you’ll be waiting for MORE Doctor Who than a one-off. So it’s worth it!”
He continued: “For the record: there was no script, I never wrote it, and no actor was ever approached to play the next Doctor. […] Now I’m as excited as anyone to see what comes next! Will they keep the theme tune? Will they lose the blue box, and will they bring back the Drahvin?! It’s all up for grabs.”
View this post on Instagram
Who will be the next Doctor?
According to The Sun, the Christmas special was axed after bosses “couldn’t find anyone to play lead role”.
An insider said: “The problem is that they have found it difficult to find anyone who’ll take on the part of the 16th Time Lord. Partly because it now feels like a role that comes with all the baggage of the most recent series.
“There are fears that even if they do manage to pull something together, it is going to be a poor cousin to previous Christmas specials which have always been adored by fans.”
Read more: First look at Russell T Davies’ suburban thriller Tip Toe about feuding neighbours
