Russell T Davies will return as the Doctor Who showrunner in 2023, overseeing the series’ 60th anniversary and beyond.
Davies oversaw Doctor Who‘s relaunch in 2005 and was responsible for the casting of Christopher Eccleston as the Ninth Doctor, as well as David Tennant as the Tenth. His era of the show is fondly remembered in the (twin) hearts of fans, and the news that he will return as the Doctor Who showrunner is immensely exciting – particularly as we approach the programme’s 60th anniversary year.
“I’m beyond excited to be back on my favourite show,” said Davies. He did, however, say that it would be “time-travelling too fast” to speculate on what will happen when he returns.
“There’s a whole series of Jodie Whittaker’s brilliant Doctor for me to enjoy,” he added, “with my friend and hero Chris Chibnall at the helm. I’m still a viewer for now.”
Davies and the current Doctor Who showrunner Chris Chibnall have worked together many times over the years, particularly on the Doctor Who spin-off series Torchwood that Davies created. Chibnall also wrote the Tenth Doctor episode ’42’ during Davies’ era, which was first broadcast in 2007.
Chris Chibnall said it was “monumentally exciting and fitting” that Davies would be back in charge to celebrate Doctor Who‘s 60th anniversary, saying: “Russell built the baton that is about to be handed back to him.”
Even more excitingly, Davies’ new tenure as Doctor Who showrunner will see him team up with Bad Wolf – the production company that was formed in 2015 by Jane Tranter and Julie Gardner, who worked with Davies during the Christopher Eccleston and David Tennant years.
“We are delighted to be joining Russell T Davies on a looped ontological paradox,” said the Bad Wolf Twitter account. “Where Russell goes, we are proud to follow.
“With BBC Studios, Bad Wolf will be producing the all-new series of Doctor Who. It is a privilege to be asked to support him in Doctor Who‘s future.”
Piers Wenger, the BBC’s director of drama, said that the news of Davies’ return as Doctor Who showrunner would “delight Doctor Who fans across the globe.” He added: “We are thrilled that Russell is returning to Doctor Who to build on the huge achievements of Chris and Jodie. Russell, it’s wonderful to have you back.”
And there is still plenty to look forward to before Russell T Davies returns as the Doctor Who showrunner. The programme’s 13th series is due to premiere this autumn, followed by three specials which will air in 2022. The last of these specials will see the departure of Jodie Whittaker, who is set to regenerate into the Fourteenth Doctor.
Don’t pinch yourselves – this is not a dream. How do you feel about the return of Russell T Davies as the Doctor Who showrunner? And what is your favourite memory from his previous time on the programme? Let me know in the comments below.
Thirteenth Doctor scarf – order now from the Lovarzi shop!
This is beyond exciting news!!! Russell was responsible for bringing back one of my childhood favorites. I cried on that first show back in 2005. The Doctor was back!!! So I think it’s very “Doctor Who” that the showrunner position does a full circle.
Great to have you back in charge
Just ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC that rtd is back!!!!!!!!! The show will have the magic injected back into it that has been missing when chibnall took over.
This is wonderful news and not the showrunner we were expecting!
The future is in safe hands, especially for the 60th (Eccleston always got on well with RTD so fingers-crossed!)
Cue trawling through the lists of RTD’s ideas of future Doctors for the clue to the 14th Doctor’s identity
I am imagining if Philip Hinchcliffe came back and produced the Sixth Doctor’s era and how different that may have been!
I wonder if the triumvirate will mean Eccleston won’t be back for the 60th?
All this news makes me want to sit and watch “Destiny of the Davies, sorry Daleks”. Something about the Daleks going back to their creator to get fixed up and become powerful once more.
I think I was the last person to realise who RTD — Rusty the Dalek was named after!
I think and hope we will get lots of classic DW companions for the 60th celebration.