Award-winning writer Russell T Davies is returning as the Doctor Who showrunner, succeeding Chris Chibnall who departs next year.
In a move which will delight millions of fans, Russell will make a return to oversee and write episodes which will celebrate the 60th Anniversary of Doctor Who in 2023, and series beyond.
Russell, 58, was responsible for Doctor Who’s revival in 2005 and is credited with propelling the show into a global phenomenon and making it one of TV’s biggest hits.
His tenure on the show lasted until the 2009 specials and his Time Lords on the show were Christopher Ecclestone and David Tennant.
He oversaw a surge in popularity enjoying huge acclaim and success and at the time the Doctor won the nation’s hearts through his masterful relaunch, which led him to create two spin off series, Torchwood and The Sarah Jane Adventures during that time.
Russell T 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.”
Chris Chibnall says : “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.”
A lifelong Doctor Who fan, Russell has most recently achieved huge success with Years and Years, A Very English Scandal and It’s a Sin which won Best New Drama at the National TV Awards this month.
Piers Wenger, BBC Director of Drama says : “As the 13th Doctor prepares to embark on new and extraordinary adventures, the winds of change are blowing… bringing with them news to 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.
"Thank you to the two of them and the team in Cardiff for all they continue to do for the show and hello Russell, it’s wonderful to have you back.”
Speculation is now sure to increase on who will become the next actor to play the doctor when Time Lord Jodie Whittaker regenerates next year.
Back in June, actor and singer Olly Alexander was tipped for the role, and he has previously worked with Russell on It's A Sin.
But at the time a spokesman for Olly played down the prospect of becoming the 14th Doctor and denied there were any plans for him to appear in the drama.
In a statement they said: “Even though Olly is often contacted by cybermen, I’m afraid I have to exterminate this speculation.
“As nice as it is to see interest in this story regenerate, it just isn’t true. As Ood as it might sound, Olly is focusing on his music, for the time being.”
Previously in July Chris Chibnall and Jodie Whittaker announced they will leave Doctor Who in a trio of Specials, culminating in an epic blockbuster Special to air in Autumn 2022 as part of the BBC’s Centenary celebrations.
