Steven Moffat OBE, ex-showrunner of Doctor Who, has returned to the sci-fi series as a writer after a seven-year absence.
The screenwriter, 62, has written an episode of the upcoming fifteenth series, Ncuti Gatwa’s second as the Doctor, which will air in 2025.
He was involved in the show from its 2005 revival under Russell T Davies till series 10, receiving an OBE for his services to drama for his efforts.
Of his return to the ‘Whoniverse’, Steven said: ‘Apologies to everyone I’ve very slightly misled – I am in fact writing an episode of the series of Doctor Who. Exactly like I said I never would. What can I tell you?
‘There was begging, there was pleading but finally Russell agreed to let me have another go – so long as I got out of his garden. Working with old friends and a brand new Doctor I couldn’t be happier.
Steven Moffat OBE, 62, ex-showrunner of Doctor Who , has returned to the sci-fi series as a writer after a seven-year absence
He has written an episode of the upcoming fifteenth series, Ncuti Gatwa’s first foray as the fifteenth incarnation of the Doctor
‘Sorry I was a bit reticent on the subject for so long. It was all part of an elaborate plan that would have delighted millions but at the last minute I forgot what it was.’
Directing the Doctor’s new adventures is BAFTA, Emmy, and Golden Globe nominee Julie-Anne Robinson.
She has previously directed blockbuster TV shows including Bridgerton, Orange is the New Black and Scandal.
Julie said: “It was a tremendous honour to direct episodes of ‘Doctor Who’ for the BBC and Disney+.
‘This beloved franchise is 60 years old and still going strong. It is part of our collective memory as Brits.
‘I’ve always admired Russell T Davies, and Ncuti Gatwa is an unbelievably talented actor who has stepped into the role of the Fifteenth Doctor effortlessly, alongside the equally talented Millie Gibson (who plays his companion Ruby Sunday.)
‘Steven Moffatt gave me an intense challenge as a director. I asked him for a keyword to describe the overall tone of the episode he said: Hitchcock.
‘I can’t wait to see what everyone thinks. I’m grateful to Bad Wolf, the BBC and Disney+. It was an incredible experience.’
The new series of Doctor Who is in partnership with Disney+, a decision that has incensed fans.
It is preceded by four December 2023 specials, one of which saw the Fifteenth Doctor meet The Beatles.
New Doctor Ncuti, 31, is a Rwandan-Scottish actor, best known for his role as Eric Effiong in Sex Education.
He was announced as the fifteenth Doctor in May 2022, and made his debut on 9 December in the third special episode.
It was the third and final episode of the 60th anniversary celebration, and it saw The fourteenth Doctor (David Tennant) ‘bi-regenerate’ into the Fifteenth Doctor.
This meant that, for the the first time, two incarnations of the Doctor co-existed.
The Fourteenth Doctor stayed on Earth with his companion Donna Noble (Catherine Tate) and the Fifteenth began roaming the universe with his companion Ruby Sunday (Millie Gibson).
Fellow Scottish actor David, 52, also played the Tenth Doctor from 2005 to 2010, making him the first to play two incarnations.
The very unexpected twist saw Ncuti’s Doctor emerge alongside David as the pair ‘bi-renegerated’ – with them both surviving the process
The fourteenth Doctor stayed on Earth with his companion Donna Noble (Catherine Tate) and the fifteenth began roaming the universe with his companion Ruby Sunday (Millie Gibson)
Ncuti starred in Netflix’s Sex Education from its first series 2019 to its last in 2023.
Previously, he did a lot of theatre work and, in an interview with The Rolling Stone, Ncuti expressed his desire to return to the stage.
However, he reassured fans it would not be until he had finished at least two series of Doctor Who. .
Series 14 of Doctor Who begins on May 11.
