BBC Cancels Doctor Who Christmas Special for 2023
The BBC has announced the cancellation of this year’s Doctor Who Christmas special, which had already been announced, in order to invest in the future of the series.
The corporation stated that the decision was made "following careful consideration" in collaboration with the show’s creative lead, Welshman Russell T Davies, and the Cardiff-based production company Bad Wolf.
This announcement comes amid speculation about the future of the series, which originally began in 1963.
The programme will be put out to competitive tender this year as part of the corporation’s charter requirements.
Cardiff has been the home of the show since 2005.
Russell T Davies is widely credited with revitalising the series since its return in 2005 after a hiatus of over a decade.
BBC Statement on the Decision
The BBC said in a statement:
"This decision was not taken lightly, and we know it will disappoint dedicated viewers...
"In order to plan the show for future series, it was decided that rather than filling the gap with a single special episode, we will choose to invest in the long-term future of the programme to ensure that whenever the TARDIS lands again, it will do so in all its splendour."
The statement added that the series "remains an important part of the BBC" and that the new tendering process "underlines the BBC’s ongoing commitment to Doctor Who, ensuring audiences will enjoy the programme for years to come."
Details of the tender process will be published in due course.
Ongoing Doctor Who Productions
Production work is currently underway on a new animated Doctor Who series for the children’s television channel CBeebies.
Doctor Who’s Economic Contribution and Local Impact
Doctor Who has made a significant contribution to the Welsh economy.
Additionally, an actor from Anglesey has fulfilled a dream by appearing on Doctor Who.
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