It looks like regeneration is on the table for Steven Moffat. The controversial showrunner, who has led the series since 2010, has announced he is leaving Doctor Who after Series 10 airs in 2017. Moffat will be replaced by Chris Chibnall, currently best known for creating BBC’s Broadchurch starring David Tennant.
Speaking on the change, Moffat offered, “Feels odd to be talking about leaving when I’m just starting work on the scripts for season 10, but the fact is my timey-wimey is running out. While Chris is doing his last run of Broadchurch, I’ll be finishing up on the best job in the universe and keeping the TARDIS warm for him.”
Chibnall himself is no stranger to Doctor Who, having written six episodes under both previous showrunners Russell T. Davies & Steven Moffat. Speaking about the series going forward, Chibnall said, “Doctor Who is the ultimate BBC programme: bold, unique, vastly entertaining, and adored all around the world. So it’s a privilege and a joy to be the next curator of this funny, scary and emotional family drama. I’ve loved Doctor Who since I was four years old, and I’m relishing the thought of working with the exceptional team at BBC Wales to create new characters, creatures and worlds for the Doctor to explore. Steven’s achieved the impossible by continually expanding Doctor Who’s creative ambition, while growing its global popularity. He’s been a dazzling and daring showrunner, and hearing his plans and stories for 2017, it’s clear he’ll be going out with a bang. Just to make my life difficult.”
Although this announcement has come suddenly, rumours have been in the air for some time that Moffat was thinking of stepping down, especially on the heels of a phenomenal Series 9 that seemed to check every box off the lifelong fan’s wish list, and a Christmas Special wrapping up one of his longest-running storylines. Speaking to Radio Times earlier this year, Moffat had said finding the right person to take on his role “is an issue and one I’m actively engaged in”. At the time it seemed like this search was the main reason Moffat had stayed as long as he did, not wanting to leave the series in a lurch with a fast and quick departure.
Moffat’s final series will air in Spring 2017, with only a Christmas Special airing in 2016. Whether current Doctor Peter Capaldi will be continuing on after Moffat’s departure, or making a clean break like David Tennant did with Russell T. Davies, remains to be seen.
Source: Radio Times
