BBC
announces Steven Moffat’s next series of Doctor Who will be his last
and confirms Chris Chibnall as new Head Writer and Executive Producer.
After six incredible series at the helm, the multi-award winning
Steven Moffat has decided to step down as the lead writer and executive
producer of Doctor Who.
Steven took over the reins on Series 5 in 2010 and during his tenure
the show has become a truly global success. He has been responsible for
introducing the Eleventh and the Twelfth Doctors in Matt Smith and Peter
Capaldi; as well as two companions Amy Pond (Karen Gillan) and Clara
Oswald (Jenna Coleman) and iconic characters and monsters including
River Song (Alex Kingston), Missy (Michelle Gomez), Rory (Arthur
Darvill) and the terrifying Weeping Angels. Plus, the smash hit 50th
Anniversary special in 2013 which saw fans around the world celebrate
the world’s longest running sci-fi series with the Doctors, Matt Smith,
David Tennant and John Hurt battling the deadly Daleks in a feature
length episode. Steven’s final series will air on BBC One in Spring 2017
and there will be a Christmas Special in 2016.
Steven Moffat says : “Feels odd to be talking about leaving when I’m
just starting work on the scripts for season 10, but the fact is my
timey-wimey is running out. While Chris is doing his last run of
Broadchurch, I’ll be finishing up on the best job in the universe and
keeping the TARDIS warm for him. It took a lot of gin and tonic to talk
him into this, but I am beyond delighted that one of the true stars of
British Television drama will be taking the Time Lord even further into
the future. At the start of season 11, Chris Chibnall will become the
new showrunner of Doctor Who. And I will be thrown in a skip.”
Like Steven, Chris Chibnall is also a lifelong Doctor Who fan and a
multi-award winning writer and executive producer. He has most recently
achieved huge success with the triple BAFTA winning hit ITV series
Broadchurch. His other credits include BAFTA nominated The Great Train
Robbery, United, Law & Order: UK, Life on Mars and Torchwood. Chris
Chibnall’s debut series will launch in 2018.
Chris Chibnall, new Head Writer and Executive Producer : "Doctor Who
is the ultimate BBC programme: bold, unique, vastly entertaining, and
adored all around the world. So it's a privilege and a joy to be the
next curator of this funny, scary and emotional family drama. I’ve loved
Doctor Who since I was four years old, and I’m relishing the thought of
working with the exceptional team at BBC Wales to create new
characters, creatures and worlds for the Doctor to explore. Steven’s
achieved the impossible by continually expanding Doctor Who's creative
ambition, while growing its global popularity. He’s been a dazzling and
daring showrunner, and hearing his plans and stories for 2017, it’s
clear he’ll be going out with a bang. Just to make my life difficult."
Charlotte Moore, Controller, BBC One says : “I want to thank Steven
Moffat for everything he has given Doctor Who – I’ve loved working with
him, he is an absolute genius and has brought fans all over the world
such joy. I will be very sad to see him leave the show but I can’t wait
to see what he will deliver in his last ever series next year with a
brand new companion. I have decided to schedule Steven’s big finale
series in Spring 2017 to bring the nation together for what will be a
huge event on the channel. 2016 is spoilt with national moments
including the Euros and Olympics and I want to hold something big back
for 2017 - I promise it will be worth the wait! I would also like to
take this opportunity to welcome Chris Chibnall, a wonderfully talented
writer who I know will bring something very special to the hit series.”
Polly Hill, Controller, BBC Drama Commissioning says : “Like
Charlotte I would like to thank Steven for his brilliance, which has
made Doctor Who a global hit under his tenure. Chris Chibnall is the
perfect successor to take over the reins of this incredible show, so I
am delighted that his love for Doctor Who has made it impossible for him
to resist! Chris is an incredible writer and his vision and passion for
Doctor Who gives it an exciting future and promises to be a real treat
for Doctor Who fans across the world.”
Via BBC