Screenwriter Russell T Davies is to take charge again of Doctor Who, the sci-fi show he helped revive in 2005.
Davies, who was the fantasy drama’s showrunner until 2009, will take over when Chris Chibnall departs next year.
“I’m beyond excited to be back on my favourite show,” said Davies, who resumes his role as the show prepares to mark its 60th anniversary in 2023.
One of his first responsibilities will be to decide who takes over the Tardis following Jodie Whittaker’s exit.
The actress is set to hang up her Sonic Screwdriver after one more six-part series and three 2022 specials.
In a statement, however, Davies said 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, with my friend and hero Chris Chibnall at the helm,” he continued. “I’m still a viewer for now.”
Chibnall said it was “monumentally exciting and fitting” that Davies would be back in charge for the series’ 60th birthday.
“Russell built the baton that is about to be handed back to him,” the writer and producer continued.
Davies revived Doctor Who in its current incarnation with Christopher Eccleston as the Doctor and remained for David Tennant’s time as the Doctor.
Steven Moffatt took over when Matt Smith took on the role, staying to supervise Peter Capaldi’s stint as TV’s indefatigable Time Lord.
The success of Doctor Who’s relaunch led Davies to create two spin-off shows, Torchwood and The Sarah Jane Adventures.
After leaving the show in 2009 he enjoyed more acclaim with TV dramas Years and Years, A Very English Scandal and It’s A Sin.
Piers Wenger, the BBC’s director of drama, said the news of Davies’ return would “delight Doctor Who fans across the globe”.
“We are thrilled that Russell is returning to Doctor Who to build on the huge achievements of Chris and Jodie,” he continued. “Russell, it’s wonderful to have you back.”
Davies’ return was also welcomed by Bad Wolf, the production company founded in 2015 by former BBC executives Julie Gardner and Jane Tranter.
Gardner and Tranter both worked with Davies on the Doctor Who relaunch and will collaborate with him again when he returns as showrunner.
“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.”
Source BBC
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