Yes! Russell T Davies is returning as showrunner to save Doctor Who (again)

We have lamented for some time that Doctor Who has been in serious trouble – and has been for a while – with the final nail being put in the coffin by current showrunner Chris Chibnall, who has been running the series into the ground for three series now.

We have pondered what was happening to the show next, with all speculation – not just from us – seeming to indicate that after current Doctor Jodie Whittaker regenerates in 2023’s 60th Anniversary special, the show would likely take an extended hiatus.

We had more or less accepted that this was the case.

But it seems that the BBC, against all odds, has been listening to the fans… and, something that seems so out of place these days, did the right thing.

Yes, Russell T Davies, the man who brought Doctor Who back to life in 2005 with the introduction of Christopher Eccleston in the iconic role. He went on to also oversee the David Tennant years too… and now he’s back to save the character again and we’re so very, very excited at the news!

According to the BBC, “Davies will make an explosive return to screens to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of Doctor Who in 2023, and series beyond.  BBC Studios are partnering with Bad Wolf to produce”.

READ ALSO: Russell T Davies brings his first Doctor Who tale to life with Big Finish

Davies also created Torchwood and The Sarah Jane Adventures, and has speculated in the past that, had he still been running the show, he’d have a load of Doctor Who spin-offs on the go… he also, according to legend, said he’d only take over the franchise again if it was on the verge of death. It seems he’s a man of his word.

We’ve been hearing all sorts of rumours about the 60th Anniversary, including David Tennant and Matt Smith joining Jodie Whitaker as well as former companions Jenna Coleman, Billie Piper and Catherine Tate all set to return with – also VERY exciting – Murray Gold returning to score the series moving forward, picking up where he left off pre-Chibnall. We don’t know what’s true and what isn’t as of yet… but we can’t wait to see it all unfold.

On returning, Davies says: “I’m beyond excited to be back on my favourite show. But we’re time-travelling too fast, there’s a whole series of Jodie Whittaker’s brilliant Doctor for me to enjoy, with my friend and hero Chris Chibnall at the helm – I’m still a viewer for now.”

Stepping down – I’ll never tire of writing that, Showrunner Chibnall said: “It’s monumentally exciting and fitting that Doctor Who’s 60th anniversary will see one of Britain’s screenwriting diamonds return home. Russell built the baton that is about to be handed back to him  – Doctor Who, the BBC, the screen industry in Wales, and let’s be honest everyone in the whole world, have so many reasons to be Very Excited Indeed about what lies ahead.” 

Piers Wenger, BBC Director of Drama said: “it’s wonderful to have [Davies] back.”

This feels like the positive, unifying news to happen to any franchise in recent years… long may such developments last.

Thoughts on Russell T Davies returning to the TARDIS? Let’s get them all…

We are delighted to be joining Russell T Davies on a looped ontological paradox. Where Russell goes, we are proud to follow-and that 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. https://t.co/PZw1VZZPuB

— Bad Wolf (@BadWolf_TV) September 24, 2021

Source: BBC