Doctor Who Confirms 2026 Christmas Special At BBC

The BBC has officially confirmed that Doctor Who will return with a Christmas special in 2026 written by showrunner Russell T Davies. The network stated that this upcoming holiday episode aims to maintain the long-running series’ presence and continuity.

That announcement arrives amid changes for the beloved franchise. This forthcoming special will take place after the recent finale of the current run and marks the first formally green-lit episode for the Doctor’s adventures in the 2026 festive period. With the holiday date set, fans and industry watchers now await more cast and production details.

The series has been produced by BBC Studios in partnership with the Cardiff-based production company Bad Wolf. The announcement also noted that the partnership with international streamer Disney+ has now ended, making this 2026 special a BBC-only production for the time being. While the Doctor’s next incarnation has not been officially named in conjunction with this special, the show’s creative leadership remains in place with Davies attached as writer.

In recent years, the show has made use of the Christmas Day slot for special episodes. The 2023 special The Church on Ruby Road introduced Ncuti Gatwa as the Fifteenth Doctor alongside companion Millie Gibson. The series’ second season under Gatwa concluded earlier this year and featured a surprise regeneration intervention by veteran companion Billie Piper. The 2026 special will follow that story arc but has not yet revealed how the narrative will integrate that twist.

The end of the Disney+ collaboration raises questions about budget, global distribution and scheduling. Industry sources report that Disney’s co-production role, which previously included multi-season orders and high production values, will no longer continue past the contracted episodes. With the international stream partner departing, the BBC may pursue new distribution models or rely more heavily on domestic outlets. Nonetheless, the network specifically affirmed its commitment to the Doctor’s continued adventures.

The special’s timing over Christmas aligns with the program’s tradition of major holiday features. However, no further details such as production start dates, director attachments, cast announcements or streaming platforms have been released. The BBC simply confirmed the special will air on Christmas Day 2026 and that further information is forthcoming.

Looking ahead, fans can expect an official trailer, casting updates and possibly a reveal of the next Doctor in the months ahead. The BBC has indicated that more news about the new series following the 2026 special will be announced in due course. If production stays on schedule, the special could set the tone for the show’s next full season and help chart a new phase for the franchise.