Steven Moffat insists Doctor Who will 'definitely' return
Steven Moffat has weighed in on the future of Doctor Who with a firm promise to fans.
Steven Moffat has insisted Doctor Who will "very definitely" be back after being put out to tender.
Fans have been worrying about the future of the beloved sci-fi show after the BBC confirmed the planned Christmas special had been scrapped, while the broadcaster is now looking for a production company to take the franchise into a new era.
Speaking at the Utopia 2026 convention, former showrunner Moffat said: "Doctor Who has not been cancelled.
"Yes, Christmas has been cancelled. Well, to be clear, not all of Christmas, the day will still take place, even if Doctor Who's not on it.
"Quite honestly, I'm not altogether sure why they bother doing that, but yes, Christmas, and that's a black mark.
"I don't like the fact there's not gonna be a Christmas special. There should always be a Christmas special. There's not going to be that, but the show will return – very, very definitely."
Moffat, who helmed Doctor Who from 2010 to 2017 and continued to write episodes in the modern era, has tried to reassure fans concerned about its future.
Doctor Who was previously taken off air in 1989, when it didn't return as a regular show until Russell T. Davies led the revival in 2005.
However, Moffat explained: "This is not like... those of us who are old remember it was 16 years of, 'Well, we'll maybe tell you something next week,' – it's not that situation, right?
"So, out to tender is not out to grass. Out to tender means actively seeking a future for Doctor Who.
"It may take a little bit longer. Oh, so what? How much Doctor Who do you need? I mean, on your iPhones right now is every episode ever made, except for the ones we accidentally lost! So watch those for a while."
BBC has insisted its decisions are made with the best interest of Doctor Who in mind.
They said in a statement: "As part of securing the next phase of the show for future generations, and in line with the BBC’s 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’s continued commitment to Doctor Who ensuring audiences will enjoy the show for years to come.
"After 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.
"This 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."
Departing showrunner Russell has promised a "big new future" for Doctor Who, despite the disappointing news for many.
The screenwriter, who was at the helm from 2005 until 2010 before returning in 2023, is "excited as anyone to see what comes next" for the franchise.
He wrote on Instagram: "Will they keep the theme tune? Will they lose the blue box? Will they bring back the Drahvin?!
"It’s all up for grabs, which is so Doctor Who, exciting and unpredictable and new! Here comes the future, vworp vworp. @bbcdoctorwho. (sic)"
