The beloved BBC series could face a lengthy hiatus before its return to screens, after it was announced that the series will be put out to tender this year.
The news follows the announcement that this year’s planned Christmas special has been cancelled.
Showrunner Russell T Davies was also revealed to be stepping back, with production company Bad Wolf no longer involved.
BBC Studios to bid to continue producing Doctor Who
Tom Fussell, CEO of BBC Studios, said: “We’ve been the producer for 60 years and we want to be the producer for another 60 years, so we will be going for that tender with gusto.
“We are in it to win it.”
He did not specify which BBC Studios label would bid.
Mr Fussell said: “Doctor Who is something that people in this organisation care passionately about.”
The tender process has yet to begin, and no timeline has been set.
The BBC has not confirmed a return date for the series.
Mr Fussell’s comments follow recent remarks from the BBC’s new director-general, Matt Brittin.
Mr Brittin said: “That’s a show that has regenerated multiple times in its 60-plus year history, and we’ll do so again.”
In a statement, the BBC said: “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.”
What does Doctor Who being out to tender mean?
It is important to know that it does not mean that the show has been cancelled, with the BBC confirming that Doctor Who will return.
Going ‘out to tender’ means the network or rights-holder is opening the daily production duties for competitive bidding.
Independent production companies pitch proposals, and the network awards the contract to the best one.
The network, however, retains the show’s ownership and broadcasting rights.
The BBC has also confirmed that it is not selling the show as part of the process.
It said: “The BBC retains all IP in Doctor Who.
“BBC Studios will continue to lead the global distribution of Doctor Who as well as licensing, consumer products, digital and immersive experiences on behalf of the BBC.”
It is expected that with a big show like Doctor Who, only a few big companies will be in the running.
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It is not the first time a BBC show has gone out for tender before, and it is not the same thing as trying to find a streaming partner.
For example, Blue Peter went out to tender in February 2024, and the contract was eventually retained by BBC Studios.
Popular show Casualty also went out to tender in May 2025, with BBC Studios also winning it.
Reports have confirmed that it is unlikely that Doctor Who returns until at least 2028.
Will you watch Doctor Who when it eventually returns to screens? Let us know in the comments.
