Black Friday Britain's Got Talent Celebrity Big Brother Privacy Policy Thursday, Aug 21st 2025 5-Day Forecast Advertisement The BBC confirms fate of Doctor Who amid fears sci-fi hit would be AXED due to plunging ratings and strained Disney+ partnership Have YOU got a story? Email tips@dailymail.com By EMMA GUINNESS Published:17:05 BST, 21 August 2025 |Updated:17:45 BST, 21 August 2025 The BBC has confirmed that Doctor Who will not be going anywhere, despite fears that the long-running sci-fi show would be axed. Rumours of a potential axe began to circulate earlier this year when Scottish actor Ncuti Gatwa, 32, sensationally quit as the Doctor after just two seasons in the role. It was reported at the time that plummeting viewing figures were behind the decision, as well as the BBC's strained relationship with Disney+ for the programme's global distribution. The corporation's chief content officer Kate Phillips told the Edinburgh Television Festival: 'Rest assured, Doctor Who is going nowhere. 'Disney has been a great partnership, and it continues with The War Between The Land And The Sea next year, but going forward, with or without Disney, Doctor Who will still be on the BBC. 'The Tardis is going nowhere.' The BBC has confirmed that Doctor Who will not be going anywhere, despite fears that the long-running sci-fi show would be axed Rumours of a potential axe began to circulate earlier this year when Scottish actor Ncuti Gatwa , 32, sensationally quit as the Doctor after just two seasons in the role Lindsay Salt, the director of scripted at the BBC, said the broadcaster remains 'committed' to the programme. As reported back in April, around 2 million people were watching Doctor Who in April - 2.2 million less than when Jodie Whittaker, the previous Time Lord, was in the role. It is worth noting, however, that at its peak from the 1960s to the 1980s, the show was watched by a whopping 13 million people. At the time of Ncuti's departure, the BBC refused to comment on the future of the show but denied rumours that he had been axed. 'Whilst we never comment on the future of the Doctor, any suggestion that Ncuti Gatwa has been 'axed' is pure fiction,' a spokesperson said. Further fuel was added to the speculative fire when Doctor Who's long-running showrunner Russell T Davies said in June that 'we don't know what’s happening yet.' Following Ncuti's departure, Billie Piper sensationally rejoined the show as the Doctor after previously playing his companion, Rose Tyler. She is the second woman to play the role after Jodie Whittaker, who left the show in 2022. As reported back in April, around 2 million people were watching Doctor Who in April - 2.2 million less than when Jodie Whittaker, the previous Time Lord, was in the role At the time of Ncuti's departure, the BBC refused to comment on the future of the show but denied rumours that he had been axed Ncuti Gatwa, 32, reveals he quit Doctor Who because he feels he is getting 'too old' Ncuti said in a statement about his departure: '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.' Season 15 ended on what was the ultimate cliffhanger for fans as Ncuti's Doctor regenerated into Rose Tyler, who first appeared on the show in 2005. Doctor Who season 16 is scheduled to be released this September. It is the 16th season since the sci-fi show returned in 2005 and the 42nd season since it began way back in 1963. Ncuti GatwaBBCDoctor WhoJodie Whittaker Share or comment on this article: The BBC confirms fate of Doctor Who amid fears sci-fi hit would be AXED due to plunging ratings and strained Disney+ partnership Add comment Comments 22 Share what you think Worst rated The comments below have not been moderated. The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline. Add your comment Enter your comment By posting your comment you agree to our house rules. Submit Comment Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? 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