The novelist and screenwriter, Anthony Horowitz has revealed that he was once approached to write for Doctor Who, though these talks never progressed (and of course we don’t know which showrunner pursued him).

Horowitz is perhaps best known for his Alex Rider novels (now a superb series on Amazon Prime – definitely recommended!), and for creating and writing the lion’s share of the much-loved ITV drama, Foyle’s War.

When asked on Twitter why he’d never written for Doctor Who, he said:

“We did talk once but it didn’t happen. Not sure it’s quite my thing! I think my favourite [Doctor] was Tom Baker – but that’s an age thing. I like Jodie [Whittaker] too.”

He later went on to compliment the Second Doctor, played by Patrick Troughton.

And though he might feel it’s not his thing, he’s one of the best writers out there and his concept for Point Blanc book, adapted for the Alex Rider TV series, is right up Doctor Who‘s street!

When further asked what his ideas for the series might be, Horowitz tweeted:

“I’m not sure. What worked for me twenty years ago might not work now… DW was for me a classical hero/ine. A junior Quatermass. I suppose I liked the simpler, more old-fashioned version. I’m not sure that would work now.”

Sounds like the nail on the head to me.

As you can probably gather, I’m a big fan of his work, so would welcome him writing for Doctor Who. I grew up reading his Alex Rider series so it’s been very exciting seeing the second book realised on screen so excellently.

Would you like to see Horowitz on Doctor Who? Are there any other screenwriters or writers you’d like to work on the programme?