Russell T Davies attends the 2019 Attitude Awards. (Getty/ Joe Maher)
Screenwriter Russell T Davies is set to return to Doctor Who after Jodie Whittaker leaves her role as the famous Time Lord.
Davies, as showrunner, helped to re-launch the iconic series in 2005, but left in 2010 and was succeeded by Steven Moffat, who was replaced by Chris Chibnall in 2018.
Now, Chibnall is handing the reins back to Davies, who will soon be tasked with replacing Whittaker and deciding who will next take up the role of The Doctor.
According to the BBC, Davies said in a statement that it would “time-travelling too fast” to give any hints on who he might cast.
🚨 BREAKING NEWS 🚨
Russell T Davies to return as Doctor Who Showrunner to celebrate the 60th anniversary in 2023, and series beyond. BBC Studios are partnering with Bad Wolf to produce.
Read the full story here: https://t.co/ku3q9TBrlE pic.twitter.com/hqtnipoj1b
— Doctor Who (@bbcdoctorwho) September 24, 2021
“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 said.
“I’m still a viewer for now.”
Chibnall said Davies’ return was “monumentally exciting and fitting”, especially as he would be back in charge for the show’s 60th birthday, and added: “Russell built the baton that is about to be handed back to him.”
Julie Gardner and Jane Tranter, former BBC executives, helped Davies on the original re-launch of Doctor Who. The pair formed the production company Bad Wolf in 2015, which will be working with Davies when he returns to the show.
Bad Wolf wrote on Twitter: “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.”
Olly Alexander, star of Russell T Davies’ It’s a Sin, has reportedly been ‘in talks’ to become the next Doctor
This year, rumours have been swirling that Olly Alexander, star of Russell T Davies’ hit drama It’s a Sin, may be “in talks” to replace Jodie Whittaker in Doctor Who.
Alexander was previously asked about the possibility of becoming The Doctor by Heart Radio, but responded: “I mean, if I was, do you think I’d be able to tell you?”
“I think it would amazing,” he added. “It’s an amazing show, and an amazing role. My lips are sealed.”