The Doctor Who Christmas special episode has been axed as the BBC the put show out to competitive tender to 'invest in its long-term future'. The BBC released a statement on Wednesday which read: '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. 'We know it will be disappointing for fans': The Doctor Who Christmas special episode has been AXED as the BBC puts the show out to tender to 'invest in its long-term future' Russell T Davies took to Instagram shortly after the news broke and said: 'For the record: there was no script, I never wrote it, and no actor was ever approached to play the next Doctor''The previously announced new Doctor Who animation series for CBeebies is currently in production. Details of the tender will be announced in due course.'The BBC retains all IP in Doctor Who. BBC Studios will continue to lead the global distribution of Doctor Who as well as licensing, consumer products, digital and immersive experiences on behalf of the BBC.'Davies took to Instagram shortly after the news broke and said: 'And so GOODBYE from me to Doctor Who but HELLO to a big new future for the show, as the BBC announces it’s putting the show out to tender. 'As a result, there won’t be a Christmas Special - we only cooked that up to guarantee a future when no one knew what would happen, but now we do know, there’s no need for it. You’ll have to wait a bit longer for new Doctor Who… but you’ll be waiting for MORE Doctor Who than a one-off. 'So it’s worth it! For the record: there was no script, I never wrote it, and no actor was ever approached to play the next Doctor. 'You may disagree; fine, sit in that chair and wait to be proved right. You’ll wait a lonnng time. Now I’m as excited as anyone to see what comes next! Will they keep the theme tune? Ncuti Gatwa and Nicola Coughlan pictured in Doctor Who's 2024 Christmas special Last year, exiting Ncuti Gatwa's Time Lord regenerated into Billie Piper's former companion Rose TylerWill 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.' Last month, it was claimed BBC bosses had struggled to find an actor to take on the once coveted role that is now considered a 'poisoned chalice'.The sci-fi series was first paused for an extended break after ending its big budget partnership with Disney+ amid criticism about recent plots involving non-binary aliens, incels and even a pregnant male extra-terrestrial.According to reports, bosses had been working hard to find a new Doctor due to them being committed to the festive special. Last year, exiting Ncuti Gatwa's Time Lord regenerated into Billie Piper's former companion Rose Tyler. You can read the full story here. A source claimed: 'Despite reassurances that the show would be back on our screens with a new series, there's been no confirmation from execs about when that will be.'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.They went on to tell The Sun: '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.'Disney+'s investment in Doctor Who was colossal and the platform is reported to have spent an estimated £100 million on two seasons and specials. Broadcast reported at the time the budget per episode could have increased from £1 to £3 million to as much as £10 million. Following his exit, Gatwa said in a statement: 'You know when you get cast, at some point you are going to have to hand back that sonic screwdriver and it is all going to come to an end, but nothing quite prepares you for it.'This journey has been one that I will never forget, and a role that will be part of me forever. There are no words to describe what it feels like to be cast as the Doctor, nor are there words to explain what it feels like to be accepted into this iconic role that has existed for over 60 years and is truly loved by so many across the globe.'The fans are truly the final character and beating heart of this show and I can't thank the Whoniverse, and the Whovians, enough for welcoming me in, and making this such a touching experience. 'I've loved every minute of it, but now is the time to hand over the keys to that beloved blue box and let someone else take control and enjoy it every bit as much as I have.'I'll truly miss it, and forever be grateful to it, and everyone that has played a part in my journey as the Doctor.'Reacting to the news, Piper said: 'It's no secret how much I love this show, and I have always said I would love to return to the Whoniverse as I have some of my best memories there, so to be given the opportunity to step back on that Tardis one more time was just something I couldn't refuse.'A small number of social media critics have pointed to the diversity of the cast, a drag queen villain, and introduction of transgender and non-binary characters.However, both Gatwa and show-runner Russell T Davies have strongly dismissed this criticism as from a minority, with Davies telling BBC Radio 2: 'Someone always brings up matters of diversity.'And there are online warriors accusing us of diversity and wokeness and involving messages and issues.'And I have no time for this. I don't have a second to bear (it). Because what you might call diversity, I just call an open door.'The actor told Attitude magazine in 2024 that the hateful comments the sci-fi show has received after casting a black man is 'fascinating, because there's so much energy they're putting into it ... I think they need to go find a hobby is one thing'.During his time, he has had companions in the form of Andor actress Varada Sethu, and former Coronation Street actress Millie Gibson, who played Gatwa's companion Ruby Sunday since the 2023 Christmas episode The Church On Ruby Road.Highlights of his two series have included a Regency-themed episode that saw him have a burgeoning romance with the character Rogue, played by Mindhunter actor Jonathan Groff, the explosive Boom episode and the arrival of the classic Time Lord villain, the Rani.