Moffat will be replaced by Broadchurch creator and former Torchwood helmer Chris Chibnall on Doctor Who in 2018.
The Radio Times brings us the news that the writer responsible for some of the best, as well as worst Doctor Who episodes will be leaving after the next Christmas special.
Steven Moffat has decided that his “timey wimey” as showrunner of Doctor Who has come to an end and he will step down as the show’s lead writer and executive producer after six series at the helm, RadioTimes.com can reveal.
Moffatt will hand over the keys to the TARDIS at the end of the next series in 2017 to Broadchurch writer and Doctor Who fan Chris Chibnall.
BBC1 has decided to air Moffat’s final 12-part series – the 10th of the modern era – in spring 2017. Chibnall’s debut series as head writer and executive producer will launch in 2018.
To be fair this news is not at all surprising, and has been rumored for quite a while now. The unfortunate news for Whovians everywhere is that other than the special no new episodes will air in 2016. Moffat’s final 12 episodes will air in 2017 as an “event” for season/series 10, with Chibnall taking over the following year. It is unclear if the Doctor’s new companion will appear at Christmas, or if we have to wait until next year to meet him or her. Either way this news is sure to be polarizing to fans of the long-running sci-fi series.
BBC1 controller Charlotte Moore said, “I have decided to schedule Steven’s big finale series in Spring 2017 to bring the nation together for what will be a huge event on the channel. 2016 is spoilt with national moments including the Euros and Olympics and I want to hold something big back for 2017 – I promise it will be worth the wait!”
Chibnall is no stranger to Doctor Who, having acted as head writer and showrunner on the Who spin-off Torchwood, as well as many episodes of Who proper since its return in 2005. He is also responsible for the cult favorite sci-fi police procedural Life on Mars, and runaway hit Broadchurch.
Doctor Who returns next Christmas.
