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Doctor Who Tender Bids: Jed Mercurio In Race + Full Timeline Revealed

October 9, 2026

The corporate battlefield to control the future of Doctor Who is officially heating up.

Following the expiration of the initial submission deadline on 2nd October 2026, the first wave of powerhouse production companies bidding for the highly anticipated 2028/2029 transmission has been revealed.

With the franchise heading into a massive, blank-slate refresh after the high-profile exits of Russell T Davies and Bad Wolf, the BBC is looking for a “relevant, surprising, brave, and inspiring” new vision.

From blockbuster television heavyweights to bold regional shake-ups, these are the contenders officially trying to win the keys to the TARDIS.

The Confirmed Heavy Hitters Bidding for the Tender:

Hat Trick Mercurio (HTM Television)

The Line of Duty Mastermind

In one of the most explosive revelations of the tender process, industry outlet Deadline confirmed that Jed Mercurio—the acclaimed creator of Line of Duty and Bodyguard—is spearheading a major pitch.

His boutique drama company, Hat Trick Mercurio (HTM), has submitted a formal proposal with Mercurio attached directly as an Executive Producer.

Rather than stepping into the traditional, grueling head-writer showrunner role, Mercurio’s attached executive position would involve overseeing the macro production of this new era.

As Executive Producer, Mercurio would be responsible for shaping the overarching narrative direction of the series, managing the creative team, and ensuring the show perfectly aligns with the BBC’s vision.

Mercurio is a self-professed, lifelong science-fiction fan (having created Invasion: Earth early in his career). His extensive experience in creating massive television phenomena and his deep understanding of the sci-fi genre would serve as highly valuable assets, bringing unmatched narrative tension and institutional trust to the Whoniverse.

World Productions

The Independent Powerhouse

Not to be outdone by their own frequent collaborator, World Productions has submitted its own entirely separate, standalone bid.

Backed by the massive weight of ITV Studios, the 17-time BAFTA-winning production house behind Vigil, Showtrial, and Bodyguard is looking to secure the franchise under its own decorated corporate umbrella.

STV Studios

Heading North of the Border?

In a move that could radically reshape where the show is filmed, Glasgow-based STV Studios has entered the race.

Partnering with Screen Scotland, STV Studios—the team behind the breakout BBC police drama Blue Lights—is launching a bold bid to move Doctor Who production out of its long-term home in Wales and over the English border into Scotland.

BBC Studios

Bringing the Doctor Back In-House

Determined to keep the commercial rewards of the global brand internal, BBC Studios is fighting hard to win back the franchise.

Scripted Managing Director Jamie Hall confirmed that BBC Studios is submitting up to two separate internal bids from its portfolio of owned labels (which includes the creators of Baby Reindeer, Sherwood, and Happy Valley). Their pitch reportedly leans into recapturing the widely popular “core offering” of the iconic David Tennant and Matt Smith eras.

The Hollywood Rumours vs. Reality

While the internet was recently sent into a frenzy by reports that Hollywood powerhouse Dean Devlin and Electric Entertainment were in talks to pitch a David Tennant-anchored return, the actual bidding pool has proven strictly UK-centric.

In fact, the strict rights limitations—where the BBC firmly retains all ultimate IP and distribution rights—have actively scared off many major studios.

High-profile companies like A24 UK, Mammoth Screen, Playground, and Quay Street have all explicitly chosen not to submit proposals, with some industry insiders calling the tight creative constraints a “thankless task” in the current streaming climate.

Writers and Directors

Where is the Creative Shortlist?

For Whovians anxiously waiting to see who will hold the literal pen, there is no official shortlist of individual writers or directors yet.

However we gathered the top 15 contenders. Doctor Who fans and insiders believe could take the helm next. . .

So check out: Who Should Be the Next Doctor Who Showrunner?

Because the invitation to tender is currently navigating its corporate and structural phase, specific creative talent has not been locked down. However, the BBC’s 21-page tender document explicitly reveals that they are not strictly looking for a single showrunner model.

Instead, companies are being actively encouraged to pitch a collaborative writers’ room model utilizing multiple episodic writers. This is exactly where Mercurio’s executive structure fits perfectly.

While he handles the overarching vision and creative management, a dedicated team of episodic writers and directors would be assembled beneath him.

The precise pool of these writers won’t be formalised until further along in the selection process.

In a @thedailydalek Facbook survey:

📊 THE BIG DEBATE we asked . . .

Do you prefer a single Showrunner with a unified vision (like RTD or Moffat), or is it time for Doctor Who to adopt an American-style Writers’ Room for more collaborative storytelling?

Daily Dalek fans overwhelmingly voted for the: Showrunner.

Exclusive Breakdown

The Next Phases of the Tender Timeline

While fans are currently facing an extended live-action hiatus—comforted only by the upcoming preschool animated series TARDIS Crew on CBeebies—the BBC is moving efficiently behind the scenes.

The corporate submissions are now navigating a strict, multi-stage vetting process. The detailed step-by-step roadmap for the future of the franchise is laid out below:

- 9 October 2026 (Today): Longlist Outcome & NDAs
  The BBC is officially notifying the initial bidders of the “longlist” outcome. Longlisted companies are required to sign non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) and are formally invited to submit a brief editorial proposal.
- 23 October 2026: Editorial Outlines Due
  The deadline closes for the longlisted companies to submit their short editorial outlines.
- 6 November 2026: Shortlist Selection
  The official shortlist of four to five prospective producers is selected and notified. These final companies will be issued secondary, in-depth production information and invited to a formal tender briefing.
- 13 November 2026: Formal Tender Briefing
  The BBC holds its formal tender briefing session with the shortlisted candidates.
- Early December 2026: Final ITT Submissions
  Final Invitation to Tender (ITT) submissions are due from the shortlisted companies.
- January 2027: Candidate Interviews
  Formal, in-depth interviews with the final candidates take place.
- March 2027: Contract Awarded
  The contract is formally awarded to the winning studio.

The final contract will mandate a multi-episodic series including holiday specials. To satisfy Ofcom regional criteria, the successful bidder must establish a clear regional production base outside of London, with the BBC maintaining a strong institutional preference for Wales.

Stay tuned to The Daily Dalek as we continue to track every step of this historic corporate regeneration!

Russell T Davies Lifts the Lid on Scrapped Christmas Special and “Painless” Billie Piper Cliffhanger

October 5, 2026

Former Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies has provided an extraordinary behind-the-scenes look at his final days on the sci-fi drama, revealing the original plans for a cancelled festive special and dismissing concerns over the show’s massive lingering cliffhanger.

The revelations, published in extracts from his upcoming memoir The Queerest of Folk: A Life in Television, pull back the curtain on a turbulent transitional period for the series following the conclusion of the Disney co-production deal.

The Abandoned Festive Special: “Winternox” and Easter Daleks

Following his final episode, “The Reality War”, Davies had initially mapped out a 2026 Christmas Special to signal a sense of stability to the BBC. Though he ultimately recommended scrapping the episode to allow the incoming production team a completely clean slate, Davies revealed exactly what he had “cooked up” for the festive hour:

The Setup: The script outline juxtaposed a traditional, picturesque olde-worlde English village with a massive, looming spaceship.
The Monsters: The episode was set to feature a massive army of Daleks—a breakdown of which you can read in our comprehensive Dalek Empire History Guide.
The Festival: A core narrative element revolved around a cosmic, outer-space holiday festival known as Winternox.

Production timelines began to slip due to Davies’ commitments to his Channel 4 drama Tip Toe and Billie Piper’s filming schedule for Netflix’s Wednesday. This led to internal discussions about delaying the broadcast to Easter 2027.

Never one to miss a meta-narrative opportunity, Davies admitted he became obsessed with a plot where time itself was fractured, resulting in the Doctor running around an Easter setting shouting, “It’s not really Christmas!”

Fixing the Billie Piper Cliffhanger: “A Piece of Piss”

The fanbase was left reeling in May 2025 when Ncuti Gatwa’s Doctor unexpectedly regenerated into Billie Piper’s face at the climax of “The Reality War”—a moment widely discussed in the fandom.

Davies has now confessed that the original scripted ending was a completely open-ended fade-out. However, during post-production—and amid corporate uncertainty regarding the show’s future—he panicked that the finale felt like “the death of the show.” In a last-minute scramble to guarantee a massive talking point, he brought Piper back to film the shock twist.

When asked if he felt guilty leaving the incoming production team with such an unprecedented, unresolved narrative knot, Davies completely dismissed the pressure:

“It’s a piece of piss. It’s completely painless.”

Davies noted that Doctor Who history is full of massive lore contradictions that are easily bypassed, pointing out that when the 1996 TV Movie established the Doctor was half-human, the show solved it by “everyone discreetly never mentioning it again.” He confidently asserted that the new team could undo the twist with a quick script adjustment consisting of exactly seven words. For more on the show’s future and lore, check out our coverage of the BBC’s efforts to secure Doctor Who’s future.

What’s Next for the Whoniverse?

With Davies’ era firmly in the rearview mirror, the BBC has officially opened a competitive production tender to map out the next iteration of the franchise, aiming for a brand-new series to hit screens in 2028 or 2029. For more on the future of the show, see our detailed coverage of Doctor Who’s Refresh and upcoming plans.

For the latest updates on where the TARDIS is heading next, keep an eye on our News Archives.

If the memoir extracts are anything to go by, the incoming creative team has a chaotic, brilliant, and uniquely seven-word puzzle to solve before they can truly begin.

Doctor Who’s Refresh: What to Expect for 2028

September 17, 2026

Doctor Who is heading back to the drawing board.

Following the departure of showrunner Russell T Davies and production company Bad Wolf earlier this year, the BBC has announced a massive, blank-slate refresh for the world’s longest-running sci-fi franchise.

As part of this transition, the previously announced 2026 Christmas special has been cancelled, and Ncuti Gatwa will not be returning to the TARDIS.

Fans will have to wait a little longer for the next era, with the network eyeing a return date between 2028 and 2029 for a brand-new multi-episode series and accompanying specials.

Key Details of the New Era

A Brand-New Production Team: Interested studios have a strict deadline of 2 October 2026 to pitch a “brave” new editorial vision, officially designated as a fresh Season 16. A final decision on the new production home will arrive in Spring 2027.
Regional Mandate (Wales Preferred): To satisfy Ofcom regional criteria, the successful bidding company must establish a production base outside of London. However, the BBC has explicitly stated a strong preference to keep the show’s spiritual home in Wales.
The Disney+ Era Concludes: The global co-production and distribution partnership with Disney+ has concluded and will not be renewed, meaning Doctor Who is returning fully to its roots as a domestic BBC flagship.
The Hiatus Watchlist: While the main television series takes a brief break during the handover, Whovians can still stream over 800 classic and modern episodes on BBC iPlayer to tide them over (or check out our breakdowns on the real reasons behind the Doctor Who hiatus).

Industry Speculation: Who is Bidding?

While the BBC is keeping its active applicant pool tightly under wraps via strict non-disclosure agreements, several heavy-hitters have been linked or have publicly expressed interest in taking over the TARDIS—echoing intense fan speculation surrounding potential showrunner contenders and wild cards:

BBC Studios: Widely anticipated to pitch in order to keep the pipeline close to home, while continuing to manage global merchandising and distribution.

World Productions: The high-profile ITV Studios-owned powerhouse behind Line of Duty and Vigil has publicly signaled its interest.

Warp Films: UK television sector insiders point to the acclaimed independent outfit behind This is England as prepping an ambitious regional bid.

Electric Entertainment: Cited in early industry reports alongside other contenders evaluating the scale of a multi-episodic sci-fi enterprise (similar to high-profile international efforts like Dean Devlin’s ambitious production bid).

The Bidding and Selection Timeline

The BBC is executing a rigorous multi-stage “bake-off” process to determine the future caretaker of the franchise. As analyzed in our deep dive on The Casualty Blueprint for rebuilding Doctor Who, matching past BBC tender precedents is vital to understanding how the network handles massive structural overhauls:

Date	Milestone
2 October 2026	Initial supplier eligibility applications close
9 October 2026	Longlisted suppliers are formally notified
23 October 2026	Short editorial proposals are due
March 2027	The BBC officially names the winning production partner

While the main series enters a brief hiatus during this transition, fans can still watch over 800 classic and modern episodes on BBC iPlayer

SOMETHING’S FISHY ON DISNEY+!

August 8, 2026

The Real Reason Global Doctor Who Fans Are Stranded Until 2027

For the past few years, global Doctor Who fans have enjoyed a golden era of television parity . . .

Thanks to a high-profile international distribution deal, fans in New York, Sydney, and London could watch Ncuti Gatwa’s adventures simultaneously. That era of unity came to a crashing halt with the release of the five-part Doctor Who spin-off, The War Between the Land and the Sea.

Barclay Pierre-Dupont, played by Russell Tovey, a low-level civilian clerk for UNIT.

While UK fans watched the Homo Aqua crisis unfold on BBC One back in December 2025, international audiences have been left stranded in a devastating broadcast desert. Following months of silence, lead star Russell Tovey recently confirmed a shocking update to Radio Times: global viewers will not get the series on Disney+ until 2027.

Frankly, something smells fishy about this entire timeline.

How did international audiences end up with a year-plus delay for a completed show in the age of instant streaming?

Salt is a Homo Amphibia and serves as the Ambassador of the Homo Aqua species played by Gugu Mbatha-Raw

@thedailydalek dives into the deep (pun intended) corporate waters, contract mechanics, and behind-the-scenes politics causing this massive gap.

1. The Corporate Breakup . . . The End of the Disney Deal

The most significant factor behind this fishy delay is the quiet death of the BBC and Disney+ Branded Television partnership. As industry reports confirm, Disney officially exited its co-production agreement with the BBC after a brief two-year run.

According to details shared with UK media outlets, the contract covered a strict 26-episode limit. This spanned the 60th-anniversary specials, Series 14 and 15, and the five episodes of The War Between the Land and the Sea.

Because Disney chose to walk away from funding the main show’s future, the Sea Devils spin-off ceased to be a marketing priority for the platform and was quietly pushed down their scheduling pipeline as they prepared to exit the Whoniverse entirely.

2. A Shift in “Simultaneous Release” Strategy

During the height of the partnership, simultaneous global drops were mandated to build global hype. However, The War Between the Land and the Sea was explicitly negotiated with different regional windows.

The BBC retained the rights to make it a marquee winter event for UK license fee payers, launching it on 7 December 2025 on BBC iPlayer and BBC One. Initial press briefs suggested an “early 2026” streaming window for international fans.

However, as industry coverage tracking the platform’s schedules revealed, Disney skipped major release windows throughout the first half of this year. This created a severe “holdback window” where the UK broadcast took commercial precedence.

3. When in 2027 can international audiences expect to see it?

While Russell Tovey admitted to Radio Times that he doesn’t know the exact day or month yet, industry patterns point directly to January 2027.

Because the show wrapped its UK run at the end of December 2025, it is highly likely bound by a standard 366-day terrestrial broadcast holdback contract. Once that calendar year expires in late December 2026, Disney is legally cleared to release the episodes globally. With the BBC-Disney relationship already at an end, expect Disney to drop the episodes early in the year to fulfill and close out their contractual books.

The Fan Backlash . . . “It’s Like the 1990s all over again”

The delay has caused immense frustration, particularly in the US and Australia, where fans have had to dodge internet spoilers for months. Speaking exclusively to Radio Times, Russell Tovey didn’t hold back, comparing the gap to the pre-internet era. . .

“It feels like we’ve gone back to the ’90s with this. I remember in the ’90s, you’d go to Blockbuster and there’d be a film out in America and you’d have to wait like six months until it came out in the UK… Like, we’ve got it here, and they have to wait.” [Radio Times]

If you refuse to wait until 2027 to watch Kate Lethbridge-Stewart face off against the Sea Devils, you don’t have to. International fans have the option of buying the physical DVD or Blu-ray directly from UK outlets.

- The Region Code Trap: UK Blu-rays are traditionally encoded for Region B. They will not play on standard North American (Region A) Blu-ray players or standard home gaming consoles.
- The Solution: To watch the UK disc, you will need a Region-Free (Multi-Region) Blu-ray player. Alternatively, standard DVDs are frequently Region 0 (All Region), but you will sacrifice high-definition quality.
- Where to Buy: Verified UK retailers that ship globally include Amazon UK and specialist media exporters like Rarewaves.

Who Will the BBC Partner with Next?

With the House of Mouse officially exiting the Whoniverse after 2027, BBC Studios is already looking for its next big financial backer. Producing high-end sci-fi on a BBC budget alone is unsustainable, making a new co-production partner inevitable. Who is at the top of the wishlist?

- Sony Pictures Television: This is the most logical choice. Sony bought a majority stake in Bad Wolf (the production company behind Doctor Who) back in 2021. Because Sony already controls the physical production pipeline of the show, expanding their role to global distribution would streamline the entire operation.

- Netflix: The streaming giant is always hungry for established, reliable IP with a built-in global fanbase. While Netflix likes to own its content completely, a pure distribution deal similar to their past arrangements with Black Mirror or Better Call Saul outside the UK could work perfectly.

- Amazon Prime Video: Amazon has proven they are willing to spend massive amounts of money on established sci-fi and fantasy brands (such as The Lord of the Rings and Fallout).
- If they want a reliable, family-friendly anchor for their streaming service, outbidding competitors for Doctor Who would be a major coup.

The Real Reason Doctor Who Is on Hiatus (And It’s Not What You Think)

August 7, 2026

Doctor Who is facing the biggest financial hurdle in its 60-year history, with former showrunner Chris Chibnall warning that the BBC can no longer afford to fund the TARDIS’s adventures alone.

For months, the Whovian corner of the internet has been locked in fierce debate. From Reddit threads to YouTube video essays, fans have blamed the show’s current off-air status on everything from divisive script writing to casting changes.

But according to former Doctor Who showrunner Chris Chibnall, the fandom is looking in entirely the wrong direction. The real culprit behind the empty 2026 release schedule isn’t a creative failure—it’s a massive cash crisis.

Chris Chibnall talks The Parkwood Murders…and Doctor Who Tendor 43:50 / 1:40:16

Chris Chibnall: “The BBC Can’t Afford Doctor Who“

Speaking on the WHO Corner to Corner podcast, Chibnall broke his silence on the current state of the franchise, delivering a stark reality check for fans.

“The BBC can’t afford to fully fund any drama now, and it certainly can’t afford to fund Doctor Who,” Chibnall explained.

He urged fans to stop fighting over plot points and look at the harsh economic reality facing British television. According to Chibnall, 15 years of restrictive flat-rate funding agreements, combined with the meteoric rise of “big Hollywood monoliths and conglomerates,” have effectively priced the BBC out of making high-concept science fiction independently.

BBC - Doctor Who - The Runaway Bride - Bank Notes

“This is primarily about money,” Chibnall stressed. “It’s not really about all of the things that everybody is banging on about and moaning about. The BBC wants to make Doctor Who. Don’t be in any doubt about that. This is a BBC that cannot afford to make shows that it wants to make.”

How Did We Get Here? A Timeline of the Current Crisis

To understand why the TARDIS doors are locked, we have to look at the perfect storm of departures and financial shifts that hit Whoniverse production:

May 2025 – The Doctor Departs: Ncuti Gatwa’s vibrant era as the Fifteenth Doctor officially concluded, leaving the iconic role vacant.
Mid-2025 – The Disney+ Exit: Following a shifting streaming market, Disney pulled out of its international co-production and distribution deal after just two seasons. This instantly stripped the show of its massive Hollywood-level budget.
June 2026 – RTD Steps Down & Christmas Cancelled: Returning executive producer Russell T Davies officially announced his departure from the series. Concurrently, the BBC confirmed that the planned 2026 Christmas Special was scrapped, putting the show into an indefinite broadcast hiatus.

The “ITT” Production Tender: What’s the Hold-Up?

In response to the budget deficit, the BBC took a drastic corporate step. On 10 June 2026, the broadcaster announced an Invitation to Tender (ITT) for Doctor Who.

For non-industry folks, this means the BBC is actively looking to hand over the physical manufacturing and production rights of the show to a third-party external company. Previous production powerhouse Bad Wolf is out of the picture for the next era, leaving the rights up for grabs.

BBC In Talks To Bring "Doctor Who" To Disney+ - What's On Disney Plus

However, Chibnall pointed out a major catch that explains why we haven’t heard any update on a new production team. Industry outlets like IGN and Bleeding Cool report that the tender process is currently bottlenecked. Because Disney left such a massive financial void, external production companies cannot realistically bid on making the show until the BBC secures a new, primary global streaming partner to help foot the bill.

Whovian Rumours vs. Financial Reality

What the Fandom Is Saying 💬 . . .

The BBC has permanently cancelled the show because of low ratings.

What Is Actually Happening 💰 . . .

The BBC is deeply committed to the brand but is forced into a tactical pause to secure private capital.

What the Fandom Is Saying 💬 . . .

The Disney split happened because of creative differences over the narrative.

What Is Actually Happening 💰 . . .

Disney restructured its global streaming budget, cutting back on costly external co-productions.

What the Fandom Is Saying 💬 . . .

A new Doctor and Showrunner will be announced any day now.

What Is Actually Happening 💰 . . .

Pre-production is completely stalled until the legal and budgetary framework of the “ITT” tender is solved.

What Lies Ahead for the Whoniverse?

While a long hiatus is incredibly tough for a fandom that just celebrated a massive 60th anniversary milestone, it is important to remember that Doctor Who is not dead. It has survived a 16-year cancellation before, and it will survive this financial hurdle.

Reassuringly, Zai Bennett (CEO and Chief Creative Officer of BBC Studios Global Content) has firmly stated that the show has a definitive future. The BBC’s goal is to rebuild a viable, long-term co-production structure from the ground up so the series can eventually return “in all its glory.”

It will take patience, a new global streaming partner, and a brand-new creative team to get the TARDIS spinning again—but the universe still needs the Doctor, and the BBC is doing the background work to make sure they return.

You may be interested in: Hollywood Heavyweight Dean Devlin Launches Ambitious Bid to Produce ‘Doctor Who’

and . . . Doctor Who’s Future Hinges on BBC’s Competitive Tender: Key Timeline to Watch.

The Twelfth Doctor Lives Again: Jon Culshaw Stars in Exciting New Doctor Who Audio Series

August 6, 2026

Jon Culshaw Returns as the Twelfth Doctor in Exciting New Audio Adventure

Fans of Doctor Who have a thrilling new reason to celebrate as Jon Culshaw reprises his role as the Twelfth Doctor in the latest Big Finish audio series, The Twelfth Doctor Adventures: Run Fast, Be Kind. This fresh set of stories fits neatly into the Twelfth Doctor’s timeline, taking place between the Christmas specials The Husbands of River Song and The Return of Doctor Mysterio.

Hollywood Heavyweight Dean Devlin Launches Ambitious Bid to Produce ‘Doctor Who’

August 6, 2026

Hollywood producer and lifelong Whovian Dean Devlin has officially launched an ambitious campaign to take over Doctor Who—but can an American independent studio actually secure the keys to the TARDIS?

Following the BBC’s bombshell announcement that Doctor Who will be put out to a competitive production tender after the current era wraps up, Devlin has entered the race.

The Ark' Showrunner Promises Syfy's Best Series is Only Getting Started

The Independence Day and Stargate co-writer used a panel at San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) and active social media campaigns to ask fans if his company, Electric Entertainment, should pitch for the series.

While the prospect of a Hollywood heavy-hitter funding the show is intriguing, Devlin faces a steep, uphill battle across three major fronts: the law, the fanbase, and his own creative track record.

1. The Legal and Regulatory Hurdles

Can an American production company even win a BBC tender . . . Legally, it is incredibly complicated.

The BBC retains full intellectual property rights over Doctor Who.

The Escape Artist - Watch Episode - ITVX

By law, the corporation must adhere to strict Charter and Agreement requirements regarding “Made outside London” quotas, British cultural identity, and the use of UK creative talent.

Doctor Who has brought millions of pounds into the Welsh creative economy through its Wolf Studios base in Cardiff. If an American company took over, it is highly uncertain whether the BBC would allow production to move out of the UK.

BBC Studios Posts Record Financials as Production Sales Rise

Furthermore, BBC Studios has already confirmed it is bidding to retain the production rights. Boasting 60 years of experience with the brand, BBC Studios executive leadership stated they are entering the tender “with gusto” and are “in it to win it”. An independent, US-based company like Electric Entertainment would struggle to match that institutional leverage without a major UK co-production partner.

2. Fan Reactions and the “AI” Controversy

The announcement has split the Whovian community on social media, sparking intense debate on Reddit, X, and Facebook . . .

The Post: Dean Devlin shared a video asking followers if Electric Entertainment should partner or bid on the potential Doctor Who production tender.

Devlin appeared to use AI tools to generate his promotional video

On one side, optimistic fans note that Devlin’s past work on The Librarians has a fun, escapist “vibe” that could get Doctor Who back to basics.

Commenters on Devlin’s page have playfully embraced the idea, with some suggesting casting his frequent collaborator Aldis Hodge as the next Doctor.

The Librarians (TV Series 2014–2018) - IMDb

However, Devlin’s social media pitch video has drawn sharp criticism from industry watchdogs. Commentators from Doctor Who Production News pointed out that Devlin appeared to use AI tools to generate his promotional video.

“My first thought is that he’s not impressing anyone by employing AI to create this video,” the page posted, adding that a company pitching for a major flagship drama should offer a higher standard of creative presentation.

3. Deep Dive: Devlin’s Sci-Fi Track Record

If Devlin does pull off a miracle, what would a Devlin-led Doctor Who look like? His 30-year career provides clear clues.

Stargate (1994) Film Review – The Queens of Geekdom

Alongside Roland Emmerich, Devlin co-wrote and produced the original 1994 Stargate film. His television work via Electric Entertainment includes The Ark, The Outpost, and The Librarians. These shows are famous for high-concept, ensemble-driven storytelling that leans heavily into fun, fast-paced adventure.

INNER TOOB: A TARDIS IN THE LIBRARY — The Librarians explicitly featured a TARDIS Easter egg

Devlin’s love for the show is already baked into his filmography. Leverage features numerous characters using aliases inspired by Doctor Who, and an episode of The Librarians explicitly featured a TARDIS Easter egg. Crucially, he has previously hired classic Doctor Who writers like Tom MacRae (The Girl Who Waited) and Gareth Roberts (The Shakespeare Code) to write for his American television series.

Bad Samaritan (2018) - IMDb — 2018 thriller film Bad Samaritan

He also knows how to direct a Time Lord. Devlin cast Tenth and Fourteenth Doctor actor David Tennant as the dark, psychopathic villain in his 2018 thriller film Bad Samaritan, proving he has a direct line to the franchise’s most iconic alumni.

RUMOR MILL:

The Times (via Cultbox) reporting Dean Devlin’s Electric Entertainment has had preliminary talks with the BBC, and has even reached out to Tenth (and Fourteenth) Doctor David Tennant to discuss the idea of bringing him back.

The Daily Dalek Verdict

Dean Devlin has the sci-fi pedigree, the passion, and the Hollywood budget to inject something completely fresh into a franchise that the BBC admits is currently facing a period of “regeneration”.

However, until Electric Entertainment can prove it can bypass the strict British legal guidelines of a BBC tender—and win back fans alienated by AI promotional videos—the keys to the TARDIS will likely remain out of Hollywood’s reach.

As of 2026, Tom Baker has been associated with and occasionally wearing his iconic scarf for 52 years.

July 5, 2026

As of 2026, Tom Baker has been associated with and occasionally wearing his iconic scarf for 52 years . . .

While his time filming the actual show ended in 1981, he has never truly stopped wearing it, continuing to put it on for special events, anniversaries, and audio drama recordings for over half a century . .

Tom Baker wore his iconic scarf for his entire seven-year tenure as the Fourth Doctor in Doctor Who, spanning from 1974 to 1981. He debuted the multi-coloured accessory in his very first serial, Robot (broadcast in December 1974), and kept it as a staple of his wardrobe until he regenerated in Logopolis (broadcast in March 1981).

The Evolution of the Scarf

While he wore a version of the garment for all seven seasons, the actual piece changed frequently over time.

The Happy Accident (Seasons 12–14): Costume designer James Acheson provided knitter Begonia Pope with a large stash of wool. Instead of picking a few colours, she mistakenly knitted the entire batch. The result was an absurdly long scarf, which started out around 12 feet long and stretched to 14 feet with wear.
The Longest Variations (Seasons 15–17): The original scarf was eventually combined with backup stunt duplicates, creating a massive version that reached between 16 and 18 feet long.
The Redesign (Season 18): For Tom Baker’s final season, producer John Nathan-Turner attempted to drop the scarf entirely. Following pushback from Baker and designer June Hudson, a compromise was reached. The multi-coloured stripes were swapped for a more structured, 20+ foot burgundy, plum, and rust chenille version that perfectly matched his new coat.

Even though it has been decades since he departed the main series, Tom Baker occasionally donned the legendary costume and scarf for special BBC anniversaries, charity specials, and promotional events.

Notable Post-Doctor Appearances in the Scarf

The 1993 Charity Special: Baker pulled the original multi-coloured scarf out of his personal closet to wear for the 30th-anniversary BBC Children in Need special, Dimensions in Time.
The “Shada” Completion (2017): 36 years after leaving the role, Baker wore a replication of the original Season 12 scarf to film a surprise live-action cameo for the completion of the unbroadcast 1979 story, Shada.
Big Finish Audio Promos: For over a decade, Baker has regularly donned a replica scarf during photoshoot promos for his ongoing Doctor Who: The Fourth Doctor Adventures audio dramas.
The Museum Feature: The iconic costume is so tightly linked to him that when Baker recorded a special video introduction for the Doctor Who Experience museum, he naturally wore the scarf to welcome fans.

Legacy “To Today”

The scarf remains a permanent fixture of pop culture today. In recent expansions of the universe—including the 2024–2026 Doctor Who comic series—newer incarnations like Ncuti Gatwa’s Fifteenth Doctor have been depicted specifically finding, buying, and wearing the Fourth Doctor’s timeless scarf as a direct tribute.

If you are a fan looking to grab one, officially licensed BBC replicas of the 13-foot and 18-foot variations are still actively produced and widely popular today:

Officially licensed TV and film tie-ins

Since 2012, Lovarzi have been working with Doctor Who fans to create a great range of memorable products. They have something for every Whovian. If you’re a cosplayer, try their Fourth Doctor Scarves or Seventh Doctor Jumper. If you just love the show, wrap a Doctor Who Tom Baker Scarf or TARDIS scarf around you. And if you simply want to keep warm, grab yourself a Fifth Doctor Sweater.

Billie Piper Returns to Doctor Who This Summer — Via Big Finish Audio Amid TV Hiatus

July 3, 2026

Billie Piper is officially returning to the Doctor Who universe this summer — not on television, but in a new audio adventure from Big Finish Productions as the long-running TV series remains on indefinite hiatus.

Big Finish has opened preorders for The Ninth Doctor Adventures: Dark Tides, the seventh of a planned 12 installments in its current Ninth Doctor audio run. Due in August, the release reunites Piper with Christopher Eccleston, who portrays the Ninth Doctor in these audio adventures.

Eccleston, who initially resisted any post-2005 revival appearances on screen, has been reprising his role in audio form since 2021.

Dark Tides follows the Doctor and Rose after they depart Earth and find themselves drawn into a mission involving the Knight of Atlas and the mystery of the vanished mapping ship Vesterbold. According to the official synopsis, the pair search for the long-lost vessel that sailed beyond charted space.

Writer Tim Foley and director Helen Goldwyn characterize the story as a dark, atmospheric tale — Goldwyn calling it a “brutal, gothic space adventure” that leans on folk-tale and medieval influences with a hint of pirate-story energy.

The episode’s guest cast includes Doon Mackichan as Dr. Vivian Rest, Ben Arogundade as Sir Cal, Sam Stafford as squire Mervyn, and David Shaw-Parker as Holbrook. Camille Coduri — who has returned as Jackie Tyler in previous Big Finish releases — is also part of recent audio continuity involving Rose.

Piper’s participation in the current TV era of Doctor Who is already notable: she made a surprise appearance late in the TV series’ most recent season when Ncuti Gatwa’s Fifteenth Doctor briefly regenerated into a Rose-like form, marking Piper’s first on-screen return since 2013. However, the franchise’s immediate television future is uncertain.

Plans for a 2026 Christmas special were abandoned, and showrunner Russell T. Davies along with production company Bad Wolf have departed the series. The BBC has since put the program up for competitive tender, leaving both the show’s timetable and Piper’s potential future TV involvement unclear.

For fans eager to hear Rose and the Ninth Doctor together again, Dark Tides offers a timely audio reunion while the televised series undergoes an uncertain pause.

Next Doctor Who: Latest Odds Reveal Top Contenders to Succeed Ncuti Gatwa

July 1, 2026

The BBC has made a significant shift in its Doctor Who plans, scrapping the previously announced 2026 Christmas special to focus directly on developing a new series aimed at setting up the show’s future direction.

This move comes as the franchise enters a new phase, with producers seeking fresh creative leadership following the departure of Russell T Davies . . .

Ncuti Gatwa, who most recently portrayed the Doctor, exited the role in May. Since then, the BBC has put the production of Doctor Who out to competitive tender, signaling a search for new producers and creative teams to steer the iconic series forward.

Additionally, the BBC has ended its partnership with Disney+, which had streamed the last two series internationally . . .

While the live-action series undergoes these changes, a new Doctor Who animated series is already underway for the CBeebies channel, targeting younger audiences . . .

Amidst this transitional period, speculation about the next actor to don the Doctor’s mantle is rife.

According to gambling.com, bookmakers have released odds on potential successors, highlighting 11 leading contenders. Among them, Aidan Turner has emerged as the current favorite with odds of 13/8 . . .

Turner is known for his role in the Disney+ series Rivals, where he stars alongside former Doctor David Tennant . . .

The Poldark and the Hobbit star said in 2016 he has no interest in the part – because he thinks that friend and former Being Human co-star Russell Tovey (who previously appeared in the sci-fi series, and was once rumoured to be on a shortlist for the main role) is the man to take over the Tardis.

Russell Tovey has not expressed an active desire to play the Doctor . . .

While he auditioned for the role of the 11th Doctor—and was highly backed by former showrunner Russell T Davies at the time—Tovey later admitted that he was relieved he didn’t get the part as the intense attention would have “terrified” , he has previously stated he would actually prefer to appear on the show as a companion.

Michael Sheen Wins Fan Poll To Be Next Doctor Who

Close behind Turner is Michael Sheen, with odds of 7/4. . . .

Michael Sheen has been linked to various television presenting roles, adding to his appeal as a possible Doctor.

Sheen has stated he is incredibly flattered by fans wanting him to play Doctor Who, but he has never actively campaigned for the role. While he frequently tops fan polls, showrunner Russell T Davies has jokingly ruled him out, citing scheduling conflicts and budgets.

When asked on the BBC show The Assembly who he would most like to play in the universe, Sheen revealed that he would actually rather play the villainous Master—ideally acting opposite his real-life friend and former Doctor David Tennant.

Billie Piper, a fan favorite who appeared in the regeneration scene at the end of the last series, holds third place with odds of 15/8 . . .

Despite her brief appearance, Piper was not officially credited as the Doctor, making her potential casting a topic of much excitement among long-time fans . . .

When asked about returning to the universe back in 2025, she shared that she already feels like an intrinsic part of the show due to its dedicated fanbase, but she has never actively campaigned to play the Time Lord . . .

The actress did appear in the series, but it remains heavily debated whether she was actually portraying the Doctor or a different manifestation of the TARDIS/Bad Wolf . . .

While her surprise appearance in “The Reality War” finale saw the Doctor “regenerate” into her face, producers did not formally credit her as the Doctor.

Why was there so much hate for Peter Capaldi becoming the ...

Peter Capaldi, who previously played the Doctor and is currently engaged in a music career and UK tour, is also in the running with odds of 2/1, suggesting a possible return to the role . . .

When asked in 2024 Peter Capaldi said does not want to be Doctor Who anymore . . .

While the lifelong fan of the series loved playing the Twelfth Doctor from 2013 to 2017, he has firmly ruled out returning to the franchise . .

He has cited the intense, demanding pressure and 24/7 promotional commitments required for the role, preferring to move on to other projects like his music career . . .

Capaldi has mentioned that the show evolved into a massive, heavily commercialized entity over the years. He has expressed a desire to protect the mystique of his incarnation of the character, stating in an interview with the Radio Times that he likes the idea that his Doctor is simply “out there” and unavailable to appear on television.

Jo Martin, who appeared as the Fugitive Doctor in the series, is another strong contender with odds of 5/2.

Her prior involvement gives her a narrative foothold that could make her promotion to the lead role both plausible and headline-grabbing . . .

Martin definitely wants to return as the full-time, permanent Doctor on screen . . .

When asked about taking on the mantle of a permanent, full-time Doctor, she responded with a resounding, “Of course I’d be up for it. Of course!” She described the role as a “gift of a character” and explicitly stated, “If they need me, I’m there!”

Welsh actress Eve Myles, known for her role as Gwen Cooper in the Torchwood spinoff, is listed at 11/4. . .

Her franchise experience and fan recognition make her a notable candidate . . .

Myles has never publicly expressed a desire to be the Doctor in Doctor Who.

While she is a beloved veteran of the Doctor Who universe—having starred as Gwen Cooper in the spin-off Torchwood and guest-starred in the main series—she has never campaigned or asked to take on the lead role of the Time Lord . . .

Instead, her public comments regarding the role have been highly supportive of other actors. When Jodie Whittaker was cast as the first female Doctor, Myles publicly praised the decision as an “empowering” step forward for female representation.

David Tennant, one of the most beloved actors to have played the Doctor (the Tenth Doctor from 2005–2010 and who returned as the Fourteenth in 2023), is priced at 3/1 . . .

Bookmakers suggest there’s a real chance of another return, which would be a major moment for long-term viewers . .

David Tennant has stated throughout his career that he has a genuine, lifelong desire to play the Doctor. As a child, he famously decided to become an actor specifically to play the role. He loved his initial tenure as the Tenth Doctor (2005–2010) and was happy to return for the 60th anniversary specials as the Fourteenth Doctor in 2023.

Paul McGann, who portrayed the Eighth Doctor in the 1996 TV film and is highly regarded by fans, is also in the running at 7/2. A full-series comeback for McGann would appeal to fans who feel his earlier outing didn’t get its due.

Yes, Paul McGann, who played the Eighth Doctor, has consistently expressed a strong desire to reprise his role on screen.

While he initially had reservations about taking the part for the 1996 Doctor Who TV movie, he has since embraced his place in the franchise. His dedication to the character has been shown through his following stances.

Rounding out the list are Alan Cumming at 4/1, Domhnall Gleeson at 9/2, and Christopher Eccleston at 5/1. Each brings unique qualities and fan bases that could invigorate the series in different ways.

As the BBC restructures its approach—moving away from a single 2026 Christmas special, putting production out to competitive tender, and ending its recent arrangement with Disney+—speculation around casting is only intensifying. Meanwhile, the Doctor Who brand remains active across demographics with the new animated series in production for CBeebies.

Here is a quich recap of leading contenders to succeed Ncuti Gatwa as the Doctor in Doctor Who, along with their bookmakers’ odds:

Aidan Turner — 13/8 (current favourite)
Michael Sheen — 7/4
Billie Piper — 15/8 (linked to a surprise appearance; debated status as the Doctor)
Peter Capaldi — 2/1 (publicly said he does not want to return)
Jo Martin — 5/2 (previously played the Fugitive Doctor; open to returning)
Eve Myles — 11/4 (known for Torchwood; no public campaign for the role)
David Tennant — 3/1 (frequently named by fans and bookmakers)
Paul McGann — 7/2 (Eighth Doctor; expressed desire to reprise the role)
Alan Cumming — 4/1
Domhnall Gleeson — 9/2
Christopher Eccleston — 5/1

Fans eagerly await official announcements on the future of Doctor Who and who will next take the helm of the TARDIS.

As the BBC navigates this new chapter, fans eagerly await official announcements on the future of Doctor Who and who will next take the helm of the TARDIS.

Breaking News

Uncategorized

The Confirmed Heavy Hitters Bidding for the Tender:

Hat Trick Mercurio (HTM Television)

The Line of Duty Mastermind

World Productions

The Independent Powerhouse

STV Studios

BBC Studios

Bringing the Doctor Back In-House

The Hollywood Rumours vs. Reality

Writers and Directors

Where is the Creative Shortlist?

However we gathered the top 15 contenders. Doctor Who fans and insiders believe could take the helm next. . .

So check out: Who Should Be the Next Doctor Who Showrunner?

📊 THE BIG DEBATE we asked . . .

Do you prefer a single Showrunner with a unified vision (like RTD or Moffat), or is it time for Doctor Who to adopt an American-style Writers’ Room for more collaborative storytelling?

Daily Dalek fans overwhelmingly voted for the: Showrunner.

Exclusive Breakdown

Doctor Who is heading back to the drawing board.

Key Details of the New Era

The Bidding and Selection Timeline

The Real Reason Global Doctor Who Fans Are Stranded Until 2027

1. The Corporate Breakup . . . The End of the Disney Deal

2. A Shift in “Simultaneous Release” Strategy

3. When in 2027 can international audiences expect to see it?

The Fan Backlash . . . “It’s Like the 1990s all over again”

Who Will the BBC Partner with Next?

Chris Chibnall: “The BBC Can’t Afford Doctor Who“

How Did We Get Here? A Timeline of the Current Crisis

The “ITT” Production Tender: What’s the Hold-Up?

Whovian Rumours vs. Financial Reality

What Lies Ahead for the Whoniverse?

Jon Culshaw Returns as the Twelfth Doctor in Exciting New Audio Adventure

1. The Legal and Regulatory Hurdles

2. Fan Reactions and the “AI” Controversy

3. Deep Dive: Devlin’s Sci-Fi Track Record

RUMOR MILL:

The Times (via Cultbox) reporting Dean Devlin’s Electric Entertainment has had preliminary talks with the BBC, and has even reached out to Tenth (and Fourteenth) Doctor David Tennant to discuss the idea of bringing him back.

The Daily Dalek Verdict

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