Russell T. Davies Returns As Doctor Who Showrunner

Doctor Who fandom was shocked and surprised as the BBC revealed today that former NuWho showrunner, Russell T. Davies, will be taking over as the series showrunner following on from the departure of Chris Chibnall and series lead Jodie Whittaker.

Originally leading the show between 2005 and 2010 before Steven Moffat's era, Davies will take over from current boss Chris Chibnall for the 60th anniversary and beyond. The BBC will be partnering with RTDs production company Bad Wolf to create the series. “I’m beyond excited to be back on my favourite show,” Davies said. "For the time being, I'll remain as a viewer."

There had been much speculation about who could be in the frame to replace Chibnall after his departure was announced earlier this year alongside leading lady Jodie Whittaker, with the likes of Toby Whithouse, Sally Wainwright and Mark Gatiss mooted as possible replacements.

However, it’s safe to say that former showrunner Davies – who rebooted the series in 2005 and turned a defunct TV show into a world-beating franchise – was not on anybody’s longlist, with Davies moving on to acclaimed original series like A Very English Scandal, Cucumber and It’s A Sin.

Still, it’s worth noting that in recent years the screenwriter has kept a toe in the Doctor Who water, novelizing his first episode "Rose" for Target books, illustrating a book of Doctor Who, poems and penning some short stories and sketches during lockdown last year to keep fans’ spirits up.