Beloved BBC Christmas Special at risk as bosses struggle to find new lead

Doctor Who first premiered on the BBC in 1963 and since then has had an incredible tenure, though it was halted for 16 years in 1989 before its return in 2005. However, throughout its time it has always been a series that has been deemed an incredible gig for any actor - and a high profile one at that - but it looks like that could be coming to an end. While the BBC previously stated that they are committed to Doctor Who as one of the most loved dramas, it doesn't appear that the actors still feel the same.

Russell T Davies had agreed to write another Christmas special for 2026, but now they have bigger fish to fry which is more of a focus on who will be filling the shoes of the Time Lord. The most recent series ended last May, but a festive version of the beloved show was still expected to come this year.

An insider told The Sun, that it looks like the show's future could be hanging in the balance as no update has been provided for the beloved series at Christmas. It was claimed: "The problem is that they have found it difficult to find anyone who'll take on the part of the 16th Time Lord, partly because it now feels like a role that comes with all the baggage of the most recent series."

They also added that there are additional fears that if they do manage to pull something together it'll be like a "poor cousin" in comparison to the previous specials.

The most recent series did face a lot of backlash after Ncuti's exit considering his time as the Doctor was the shortest in 20 years, though it appeared at the end of his season that he was shockingly regenerated into Billie Piper who appeared to be playing her old character Rose Tyler.

At the time of his exit, he said: "You know when you get cast, at some point, you are going to have to hand back that sonic screwdriver and it is all going to come to an end, but nothing quite prepares you for it.

"This journey has been one that I will never forget and a role that will be part of me forever. There are no words to describe what it feels like to be cast as the Doctor, nor are there words to explain what it feels like to be accepted into this iconic role that has existed for over 60 years and is truly loved by so many across the globe."

He added that it was "time to hand over the keys" and "let someone else take control", though the spot is still yet to be filled.