Former Doctor Who showrunner reveals whether he would return third time

Doctor Who's former showrunner, Russell T Davies, has confirmed he will not return to the show for a third time while speaking about his hopes for its future.

The writer, who rebooted Doctor Who in 2005 and then returned for the 60th anniversary specials and the Disney era of the show, recently published his memoir, The Queerest of Folk, in which he opens up candidly about the challenges he faced on the show.

Appearing on BBC Radio 2, he spoke about Doctor Who's future, with Jo Whiley asking: "Where are you at with Doctor Who at the moment?"

Davies responded: "It's out for tender - it's nothing to do with me, I'm not going to do it for a third time! But apparently - I've been in you studios all day - they've just announced who's going for the tender, so that's exciting."

Whiley added: "You wish them well."

"I do!" Davies responded. "Don't we want that show back, Jo? And we'll be there watching."

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.

Meanwhile, there's lots more Doctor Who on its way for younger fans, with the BBC recently unveiling a first look at Doctor Who: TARDIS Crew, its upcoming animation show for CBeebies viewers.

The Queerest of Folk: A Life in Television by Russell T Davies is available to buy now.

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Authors

Louise Griffin is the Sci-Fi & Fantasy Editor for Radio Times, covering everything from Doctor Who, Star Wars and Marvel to House of the Dragon and Good Omens. She previously worked at Metro as a Senior Entertainment Reporter and has a degree in English Literature.