The BBC is reportedly facing a crisis over its planned Doctor Who Christmas special, with claims emerging that the festive episode could be scrapped entirely.
It comes as executives are understood to be struggling to find someone willing to portray the 16th Time Lord.
According to sources, despite previous assurances that the long-running sci-fi series would return to screens, there has been no official confirmation from bosses about when this might happen.
With fewer than seven months until Christmas, the situation appears increasingly precarious.
The last Christmas Special of Doctor Who to air was in 2024
|BBC
An insider told The Sun: "Now, with less than seven months to go, that looks like it's hanging in the balance too.
"The problem is that they have found it difficult to find anyone who'll take on the part of the 16th Time Lord."
The source went on to explain that the iconic role now feels tainted by "all the baggage of the most recent series," making it difficult to attract talent to what was once considered a highly prestigious position in British television.
There are also concerns that even if production manages to piece something together in time, the result could disappoint loyal viewers.
The festive episodes have traditionally been a highlight of the BBC's Christmas schedule
|BBC
"There are fears that even if they do manage to pull something together, it is going to be a poor cousin to previous Christmas specials which have always been adored by fans," the insider added.
The festive episodes have traditionally been a highlight of the BBC's Christmas schedule, drawing millions of viewers and featuring some of the show's most memorable moments since its 2005 revival.
The show's difficulties come in the wake of Disney+ withdrawing from its partnership with Doctor Who last year, a collaboration the BBC had proudly announced back in 2022.
The American streaming giant's investment was substantial, with reports suggesting the platform spent approximately £100 million on two series and specials.
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According to Broadcast, episode budgets may have risen from between £1 million and £3 million to as much as £10 million during the Disney+ partnership
|BBC
According to Broadcast, episode budgets may have risen from between £1 million and £3 million to as much as £10 million during the partnership.
The sci-fi programme has also faced criticism from some quarters over recent storylines, including plots featuring non-binary aliens, incels, and a pregnant male extraterrestrial, as well as the introduction of transgender characters and a drag queen villain.
However, showrunner Russell T Davies has firmly rejected such criticism, telling BBC Radio 2: "What you might call diversity, I just call an open door."
Executives are now reportedly looking at alternative plans, with Billie Piper being considered for a special that would broadcast around Easter rather than during the traditional Christmas slot.
Ncuti Gatwa was the latest Doctor
|BBC
Ms Piper, who portrayed companion Rose Tyler in the revived series, saw her character return at the conclusion of Ncuti Gatwa's final episode, when his Doctor regenerated into Rose.
However, she is not believed to be taking on the role permanently.
Responding to her return, Ms Piper said: "It's no secret how much I love this show, and I have always said I would love to return to the Whoniverse as I have some of my best memories there, so to be given the opportunity to step back on that Tardis one more time was just something I couldn't refuse."
When contacted by GB News, the BBC declined to comment on the reports.