'Doctor Who' Christmas episode canceled amid creative shakeup

June 10 (UPI) -- The BBC has canceled this year's Doctor Who Christmas episode amid a creative shakeup that leaves the show's future uncertain.

The network announced the news in a press release Wednesday following word showrunner Russell T. Davies and production company Bad Wolf have exited the series.

With the special canceled and the creative team uncertain, the BBC said it will seek new production partners and put the show 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," the company said.

The decision to cancel the special was meant "to set the show up for future series," according to the BBC.

The company said "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 ensure that when the TARDIS lands once more, it does so in all its glory."

Davies confirmed his exit on Instagram, writing, "And so GOODBYE from me to Doctor Who but HELLO to a big new future for the show."

He added that he never wrote a script for a new season and "no actor was ever approached to play the next Doctor."

Doctor Who originally premiered on the BBC in 1963 and was revived with Davies at the helm in 2005.

2026 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved.