Why Doctor Who Christmas special is at risk of being scrapped

EntertainmentMovie
26 May 2026 • 6:07 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Why Doctor Who Christmas special is at risk of being scrapped

  • The Doctor Who Christmas special is reportedly at risk of being cancelled due to difficulties in finding a permanent lead actor.
  • Ncuti Gatwa unexpectedly departed as the Time Lord in May 2025, leading to a regeneration where Billie Piper briefly appeared.
  • Piper's return is for a single episode, and the BBC is struggling to cast the 16th Doctor permanently.
  • A source suggests the special, intended for this December, might be scrapped, with a new series potentially airing in Easter 2027 instead.
  • Despite recent viewership declines and the current casting challenges, BBC officials have reaffirmed their commitment to the show's future.

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