The BBC is reportedly facing a crisis and could be forced to scrap the legendary Doctor Who Christmas special, as bosses are reportedly struggling to find an actor to take on the roleDaniel Bird Assistant Celebrity and Entertainment Editor09:01, 26 May 2026The BBC is reportedly facing a crisis over a major Christmas special following claims that the upcoming Doctor Who festive special may be scrapped amid a scramble to find an actor to take on the role.‌The most recent series of the sci-fi show came to an end last year after Ncuti Gatwa departed his role as the legendary Doctor. The update comes just months after the BBC's director of drama, Lindsay Salt, said she was overjoyed that Russell T Davies had decided to write this year's festive special.‌And now, reports claim that the bosses behind the show are hoping to turn to Billie Piper, who played companion Rose, for a special that would air around Easter rather than Christmas.‌A source claimed that although there had been "reassurances" that Doctor Who would be back on screens, there has since been "no confirmation" from bosses that this is the case. The show had previously stated that the sci-fi programme would return for a Christmas special later this year.Speaking to The Sun, an insider said: "Now, with less than seven months to go, that looks like it's hanging in the balance too. The problem is that they have found it difficult to find anyone who'll take on the part of the 16th Time Lord, partly because it now feels like a role that comes with all the baggage of the most recent series.‌"There are fears that even if they do manage to pull something together, it is going to be a poor cousin to previous Christmas specials which have always been adored by fans."The publication claims that the struggle to find an actor to take on the role of the Doctor is due to "all the baggage" associated with the character. Speaking just months ago about the Christmas special, Lindsay Salt said: "The BBC remains fully committed to Doctor Who, which continues to be one of our most loved dramas, and we are delighted that Russell T Davies has agreed to write us another spectacular Christmas special for 2026."‌It also comes months after BBC Studios Global Content CEO Zai Bennett confirmed that there were plans for the show. Speaking to Deadline, Bennett was asked whether BBC Studios would secure the funding needed to ensure the show's long-term survival.While acknowledging he "won't speak for the BBC", he emphasised that "we're all in it together" regarding keeping Doctor Who on television. He continued: "We're a big important part of Doctor Who and are all motivated to make sure Doctor Who has a long and flourishing life. We've got the Christmas special coming. After that, it's time for us all to work on it."Earlier this year, Doctor Who's partnership with Disney came to an end. The US streaming service pulled out of its arrangement with Doctor Who last year, choosing not to broadcast the series any longer.‌Disney's departure represented a significant blow for the BBC, which had trumpeted the collaboration back in 2022, particularly as the deal had provided the show with a substantially larger budget.A Doctor Who spin-off series, The War Between the Land and the Sea, which Disney co-produced, still aired late last year. However, questions remain about the main series.The BBC declined to comment when approached by the Mirror.Article continues belowLike this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.