We never thought we’d see the day! Despite previously saying that he would never return to the show after leaving in 2009, Russell T Davies has just been announced to be returning to the world of Doctor Who to once again as Showrunner!
With the recent announcement that both Jodie Whittaker and Chris Chibnall would be leaving the show next year, speculation was already high for who could next take the mantle on the famous sci-fi show. However, it’s fair to say that no one expected a previous showrunner to return to the helm, let alone the very one that brought the show back from the grave 16 years ago!
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
Russell T Davies
RTD successfully brought Doctor Who back to our screens in 2005 with a much-needed modernised approach and expanded budget. Gone were the days of wobbly sets and tin foil robots, RTD’s new Who was dramatic, intense, and visually pristine!
We love classic Doctor Who as much as anyone, but in order for any show to carry on, fittingly, it does need to regenerate in order to meet the demands of the current viewing public. Not only did RTD’s Who meet these expectations, it went above and beyond to create a whole new exciting and brilliant world, with iconic relatable characters, huge sweeping story arcs, dramatic takes on the Doctor’s past, and an amalgamation of terrifying creatures that put anyone both young and old back behind the sofa.
RTD’s previous era in Doctor Who was globally renowned for bringing us Christopher Eccleston and David Tennant as the titular Doctor, bringing us memorable companions and characters like Rose, Martha and Captain Jack, and spawning 2 successful spin-off series in the form of Torchwood and The Sarah Jane Adventures. RTD also established the Time War within the show’s canon which left the Doctor as the last of the TimeLords, and breathed new terrifying life into classic monsters such as The Daleks, Cybermen, and yes, even the Macra!
Russell T Davies will return for Doctor Who‘s 60th anniversary in 2023 and series beyond! Furthermore, it has also been announced that BBC studios are partnering with production company Bad Wolf to produce the new series.
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 the 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”
Chris Chibnall
Since his previous departure, RTD has been busy writing multiple award-winning series, from Years and Years, to A Very English Scandal and most recently It’s a Sin which won Best New Drama at the National TV awards!
WARNING: Embargoed for publication until 20:00:01 on 13/04/2019 – Programme Name: Years and Years – TX: n/a – Episode: Years and Years generics (No. n/a) – Picture Shows: Daniel (RUSSELL TOVEY), Ruby (JADE ALLEYNE), Edith (JESSICA HYNES), Rosie (RUTH MADELEY), Muriel (ANNE REID), Stephen (RORY KINNEAR), Celeste (T’NIA MILLER), Bethany (LYDIA WEST) – (C) Red Productions – Photographer: Guy Farrow 
As the 13th Doctor prepares to embark on new and extraodinary 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
Piers Wenger, BBC Director of Drama
While we enjoyed both Steven Moffat’s and Chris Chibnall’s unique takes on the show, there was always a nostalgic soft spot for the original RTD era which completely revolutionised the way sci-fi could be made for modern prime-time audiences. As original and unique as recent eras have been, they can never resist referencing RTD’s original foundations, with elements like Captain Jack, the Judoon and the Fob Watches all making recent returns to the show.
It’s safe to say that we’re excited to see Russell back at the helm and what new ideas he has in store!
Are you excited for RTD’s return? What was your favourite era of Modern Doctor Who? Let us know in the comments!
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