Doctor Who competitive tender bids revealed as Line of Duty boss leads charge to regenerate iconic show

The deadline for submissions to Doctor Who's competitive tender process has now passed, and it has been reported that Jed Mercurio's company, Hat Trick Mercurio, is in the running.

The news was revealed by Deadline, with the publication saying that the production company Line of Duty creator Mercurio runs with Jimmy Mulville has submitted a proposal with Mercurio attached as an executive producer.

Meanwhile, Line of Duty production company World Productions has reportedly submitted its own separate bid, which is said to be "effectively spearheading ITV Studios' efforts to land the contract".

This follows World Productions CEO Simon Heath telling Radio Times that "there's definitely people in my team who are really interested in it, but I imagine there'll be lots of companies interested."

He continued: "It's a show that has its challenges, so you have to think very carefully. I think you have to go into it knowing you've got a plan. I think I know what I would do with it, but whether that means anyone would listen, I don't know."

Other bids mentioned in the Deadline report include one from STV Studios, the production group behind Blue Lights and Criminal Record, which would move the show's production to Scotland.

It is also expected that two different BBC Studios labels have tabled bids to make Doctor Who, while Deadline has said its list is not exhaustive, and other interested parties may emerge.

The report does, however, note a number of companies which are not bidding, including A24 UK, Playground, Mammoth Screen, New Pictures, Big Talk Studios, Expectation and Quay Street.

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In its tender document, the BBC has asked production companies to pitch "a multi-episodic series (including specials) for transmission in 2028/29, with an option to extend the contract at BBC’s discretion to produce a second series".

A decision will be made in spring 2027.

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Authors

James Hibbs is a Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering programmes across both streaming platforms and linear channels. He previously worked in PR, first for a B2B agency and subsequently for international TV production company Fremantle. He possesses a BA in English and Theatre Studies and an NCTJ Level 5 Diploma in Journalism.