BBCannounced today that, after six incredible series at the helm, the multi-award winningSteven Moffathas decided to step down as the lead writer and executive producer ofDoctor Who. Steven took over the reins onDoctor Who Season 5in 2010 and during his tenure the show has become a truly global success. He will be replaced by Chris Chibnall (Broadchurch) He has been responsible for introducing the Eleventh and the Twelfth Doctors inMatt SmithandPeter Capaldi, as well as two companions Amy Pond (Karen Gillan) and Clara Oswald (Jenna Coleman) and iconic characters and monsters includingRiver Song(Alex Kingston), Missy (Michelle Gomez), Rory (Arthur Darvill) and the terrifying Weeping Angels.
He was also responsible the smash hit50th Anniversary specialin 2013 which saw fans around the world celebrate the world’s longest runningsci-fi serieswith the Doctors,Matt Smith,David TennantandJohn Hurtbattling the deadly Daleks in a feature length episode. Steven’s final series will air on BBC One in Spring 2017 and there will be aChristmas Specialin 2016. Here’s whatSteven Moffathad to say about leaving this beloved series.
“Feels odd to be talking about leaving when I’m just starting work on the scripts forSeason 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 theTime Lordeven further into the future. At the start of season 11, Chris Chibnall will become the new showrunner ofDoctor Who. And I will be thrown in a skip.”
Like Steven, Chris Chibnall is also a lifelongDoctor Whofan 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 MarsandTorchwood. Chris Chibnall’s debut series will launch in 2018. Here’s what he had to say in a statement.
“Doctor Whois the ultimate BBC program: 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 lovedDoctor Whosince 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 expandingDoctor 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 revealed that Steven’s finale will arrive in the spring of 2017, to “bring the nation together for what will be a huge event on the channel.” She added that 2016 is already chocked full of big events like the Euros and the Olympics, and she wanted to “hold something back for 2017. What do you think aboutSteven MoffatleavingDoctor Who?
