cross-posted from: https://feddit.uk/post/24377249

The BBC has assured Doctor Who fans that the sci-fi drama has not been cancelled, following an “incorrect” tabloid report.

The Sun stirred up concern that the long-running series was to go dormant again for between five and ten years, as it previously did after Sylvester McCoy’s final season – and once again after Paul McGann’s 1996 standalone film.

The speculation comes after perceived disappointment over Doctor Who season 14’s viewing figures, although the BBC and showrunner Russell T Davies have previously drawn attention to the show’s strong engagement from younger viewers.

The Sun’s anonymous source claimed that star Ncuti Gatwa was eyeing a move to Los Angeles to pursue Hollywood work – and that he had filmed a regeneration sequence for the end of the current run.

However, a spokesperson for Doctor Who commented: "This story is incorrect, Doctor Who has not been shelved. As we have previously stated, the decision on season 3 will be made after season 2 airs.

“The deal with Disney Plus was for 26 episodes – and exactly half of those still have to transmit. And as for the rest, we never comment on the Doctor and future storylines.”

  • haverholm@kbin.earth
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    3 days ago

    Okay, so "Doctor Who has not been shelved [but] the decision on season 3 will be made after season 2”… somehow it doesn’t calm me much that the Beeb may still shelve the show after the next (too short) season 😐

    • Value Subtracted@startrek.websiteM
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      3 days ago

      Well technically that would be a cancellation, not a shelving. 😁

      But I’m honestly not worried - even if Disney doesn’t renew, the property is a cash cow for the BBC, and I think they’d keep it going.

    • slazer2au@lemmy.world
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      3 days ago

      That’s kinda how tv is these days. They get greenlit on a per season basis. Very few will have a multi season green light.