Why Doctor Who Christmas special is at risk of being scrapped

Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleThe 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. In fullDoctor Who Christmas special might not air because BBC can’t find new lead starThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

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