Doctor Who - Christmas 2026 Special Shelved? 30th Anniversary of TV Movie

I didn't think I'd be doing two Doctor Who blog posts this month but here we are. A part of this of course is celebrating a certain piece of the show's history but most of this will look at the show's future and in the latter case, I'm starting to worry.

On Monday, The Sun newspaper (yes that infernal rag) posted that the upcoming Christmas special could be delayed to Easter 2027, due to casting availability. On top of that, they've also claimed that the show is currently struggling cast an actor to succeed Ncuti Gatwa (who recently hosted the UK version of Saturday Night Live). Apparently the role has now become a poison chalice.

For months, most viewers/fans, etc naturally assumed that the upcoming special, written by Russell T. Davies would be lead by David Tennant and Billie Piper. There was also the possible chance of the actor cast as the 16th Doctor would likely factor at the end of the special. How naive we were?

We're about to head into the summer months and we're still none the wiser with what's going on. In the past the show could film close to time and get a Christmas special on the air. With rumours of a September filming, it's unlikely the special would be complete, post production wise to make the Christmas Day slot of old.

Adding to the frustration, when the Radio Times pressed the BBC for confirmation, they declined to comment on the matter. As much as I'd rather not be negative, I think the writings on the wall with this one. Until confirmed otherwise, I have a horrible feeling the special will be moved to Easter 2027 and that the show at the moment is struggling to find a new actor.

I was hoping with AMC+ recently acquiring the 2005-2022 era for their streaming service that maybe we were due a more positive announcement but alas, it wasn't meant to be for now.

On a brighter note, today marks the 30th anniversary of The TV Movie or The Enemy Within. It's been thirty years since we first met Paul McGann's Eighth Doctor and while the movie wasn't initially a fan favourite, it's something that's grown in love overtime. Eight things I loved about it.

• The actual interior of the TARDIS. It's gorgeous.
• Paul's performance as the Eighth Doctor. 
• Eric Roberts as the Master. This one took a while but I do love his take on the Doctor's best enemy.
• Daphne Ashbrook as Dr. Grace Holloway. 
• Setting the events over the course of New Year's Eve.
• I actually liked Chang Lee the more I've rewatched this film.
• The Eight/Grace romance was nicely handled.
• "I always dress for the occasion" - that line cracks me up.

I'll definitely be watching the movie over the weekend. I imagine many Doctor Who fans will be doing the same.

Hopefully answers surrounding the show's future will be confirmed soon because right now, I think we should all be a little concerned.