The new showrunner of Doctor Who is… Russell T Davies, who previously acted as showrunner on the show from 2005 to 2010.

Davies will make an explosive return to screens to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Doctor Who in 2023, “and”, the BBC teases, “series beyond”.

And it’ll be produced by BBC Studios and Bad Wolf!

Davies left the show in 2009, although his final story aired on New Year’s Day 2010. Steven Moffat took over from him from Series 5. Russell T Davies says:

“I’m beyond excited to be back on my favourite show. But we’re time-travelling too fast, there’s a whole series of Jodie Whittaker’s brilliant Doctor for me to enjoy, with my friend and hero Chris Chibnall at the helm – I’m still a viewer for now.”

Current showrunner, Chris Chibnall says:

“It’s monumentally exciting and fitting that Doctor Who’s 60th anniversary will see one of Britain’s screenwriting diamonds return home. Russell built the baton that is about to be handed back to him — Doctor Who, the BBC, the screen industry in Wales, and let’s be honest everyone in the whole world, have so many reasons to be Very Excited Indeed about what lies ahead.”  

Piers Wenger, BBC Director of Drama says:

“As the Thirteenth Doctor prepares to embark on new and extraordinary adventures, the winds of change are blowing… bringing with them news to delight Doctor Who fans across the globe. We are thrilled that Russell is returning to Doctor Who to build on the huge achievements of Chris and Jodie. Thank you to the two of them and the team in Cardiff for all they continue to do for the show and hello Russell, it’s wonderful to have you back.”

This is HUGE news. And we’re all shocked. Davies said he’d never come back, so this was doubly unexpected.

Welcome back, Russell.