\n\tBig news in the Whoniverse.<\/p>\n
\n\tThe BBC<\/a> has canceled the special Christmas episode of Doctor Who<\/a>, while showrunner Russell T Davies<\/a> and producer Bad Wolf are exiting the iconic sci-fi series.<\/p>\n \n\tIn an announcement on Wednesday, the BBC acknowledged that the news would be \u201cdisappointing for fans\u201d after the broadcaster promised last year that it would air a \u201cspectacular\u201d special episode in 2026.<\/a><\/p>\n \n\tThe Doctor Who festive special is something of an institution in the UK, with previous favorites including David Tennant making his full debut as the Doctor in 2005\u2019s \u201cThe Christmas Invasion.\u201d<\/p>\n \n\tThe exit of Davies and Bad Wolf, who signed up for Doctor Who as part of a major reboot in 2021, will result in the BBC putting the series out to competitive tender. <\/p>\n \n\tIt means that BBC Studios, which owns the rights to Doctor Who, or an independent producer will have the opportunity to reinvent the beloved Time Lord.<\/p>\n \n\t\u201cAs part of securing the next phase of the show for future generations, and in line with the BBC\u2019s 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\u2019s continued commitment to Doctor Who ensuring audiences will enjoy the show for years to come,\u201d the BBC said in a statement.<\/p>\n \n\t\u201cAfter 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. <\/p>\n \n\t\u201cThis 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.\u201d<\/p>\n \n\tAt the same time as the BBC statement, Davies posted on Instagram bidding farewell to the Doctor after his second spell as showrunner. He told followers that he had not written a Christmas special script and \u201cno actor was ever approached to play the next Doctor.\u201d<\/p>\n \n\tDavies has previously spoken about having a story for the Christmas special, but there is some dispute about how much he had written. In February, Doctor Who composer Murray Gold told the Radio Times<\/a> that Davies had written several versions of the script for the 2026 special.<\/p>\n