The BBC has officially confirmed plans to produce a new series of Doctor Who, with filming expected to begin in 2028 or 2029. This announcement follows a period of uncertainty after Ncuti Gatwa’s tenure as the 15th Doctor ended, with only a previously confirmed Christmas special written by Russell T Davies. Earlier, the BBC had canceled plans for a Christmas episode and instead put the show out to tender, but it has since reaffirmed its commitment to the show's future. The tender process allows production studios to bid for the opportunity to lead the series into a new era, while the BBC retains ownership. The broadcaster is looking for a multi-episodic series (including special episodes) to air in 2028 or 2029, with the possibility of extending the contract for a second season. The series should be contemporary and creatively ambitious, yet remain true to the classic elements of Doctor Who that have made it a beloved part of British television. The BBC emphasized that the show should retain its core identity, featuring the Doctor traveling in the TARDIS with a companion on adventures across time and space. Storylines should blend high-concept science fiction with emotional depth and maintain a family-friendly tone rooted in British storytelling. The format is flexible, allowing for both serialized story arcs or standalone episodes, with no strict limit on the number of episodes. Unlike previous seasons, which were led by specific showrunners, the BBC is not strictly committed to a single showrunner model. A final decision on the production company is expected in spring 2027. This tender follows the end of the BBC’s partnership with Disney Plus after two seasons. While some streaming platforms have shown interest in taking over the show, Netflix’s UK content head has stated that Doctor Who is best suited for the BBC. The storyline’s future remains unclear, particularly regarding the unresolved transition from Ncuti Gatwa’s Doctor to Billie Piper’s character. The next lead actor has yet to be confirmed, though comedian George Fouracres has been mentioned as a potential candidate. Fouracres has called the speculation "so flattering" and expressed honor at being considered for the role.