Doctor Who remains an important part of the BBC
the TL:DR:
Christmas special cancelled
Russell T Davies and his production company are leaving the show
RTD has confirmed on Instagram that there was never a script or proper plan for the Christmas special
The show is going out to competitive tender.
For anyone who is confused as to what 'competitive tender' means:
Caveat that my knowledge of tendering comes from a completely different industry but roughly speaking: other TV production companies will now have an opportunity to pitch their plan for making Doctor Who to the BBC and how much funding they would need and the BBC will give the show to whatever company can do it best and cheapest. Show will remain with the BBC, they are just looking for a new contractor for the production.
Essentially whether this is good or bad news really depends on the likely outcome of the tender and i have no idea what the likely outcome is.
the best case scenario here is that the BBC find a new contractor who can make an acceptable version of Doctor Who for less money and in a few years time we get a whole new version of the show with a new Doctor etc.
and then obviously the worst case scenario is that no-one wants the show or can meet the BBC's funding requirements and then you know. Wilderness Years 2!!!!
