Fresh twist for Doctor Who as BBC lines up spin-off series after Ncuti Gatwa's exit - and it's worlds away from the original

Daily Mail​

2 days ago

A Doctor Who spin-off series is in the works and is set to launch on children's channel Cbeebies - targeting a whole new audience.
The pre-school animation series will bring the iconic Doctor to screens for a younger viewers.
It comes as Doctor Who was hit with changes in recent times after Ncuti sensationally left the show after just two series playing the iconic science fiction character.
TV producer Russell T Davies was the chief writer and executive producer of Doctor Who from 2005 to 2010 and returned in 2023.
The latest series was produced by Bad Wolf, who have also produced the likes of Dope Girls, Industry, I Hate Suzie and A Discovery Of Witches.
However, the BBC are advertising for a new company to create the series.
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A spin-off series of the popular BBC show is in the works and is set to launch on children's channel Cbeebies. Pictured: Ncuti Gatwa
It comes as Doctor Who was hit with changes in recent times after Ncuti sensationally left the show after just two series playing the iconic science fiction character
'The BBC is set to expand the Whoniverse as it launches plans for a brand new pre-school animation series which will see the Doctor's adventures come to CBeebies for the first time ever,' the announcement reads.
'The BBC is looking for a passionate production company to create and produce the series, which will run independently from the main show, that will see the Doctor travelling through time and space for the pre-school audience, solving mysteries and problems alongside their companions and other friends.
'And, of course, they may come up against one or two challenges on their way…'
BBC boss Patricia Hidalgo described it as an 'exciting opportunity.
She said: 'Everyone is welcome at CBeebies, including the Doctor!
'This much-loved franchise entertains millions around the world, so it is only right that our younger audience get to experience the wonder and the magic of the Doctor in a brand new format.
'This is an extremely exciting opportunity, and we are looking forward to welcoming companies to pitch for this new project, as we continue our commitment and investment in the UK's animation industry.'
The show will target a much younger audience than the mainline series
As a matter of policy, the BBC invites production companies to pitch for new series when they are announced.
Their official guidance explains: 'Since 2016 the BBC has been putting all new business out to competition, and tendering a number of returning network television series made by BBC Studios as part of its commitments in the BBC Charter, which sets out that 100% of relevant television content should be open to competition by the end of 2027.
'These opportunities will be open to any independent production company who meet the eligibility criteria, along with BBC Studios. The criteria will vary by programme, depending on the requirements of the show.'
It comes after Ncuti's time on Doctor Who came to an end last month when the curtains were drawn on the most recent season.
In a statement released by the BBC Ncuti, said: 'This journey has been one that I will never forget, and a role that will be part of me forever.
'There are no words to describe what it feels like to be cast as the Doctor, nor are there words to explain what it feels like to be accepted into this iconic role that has existed for over 60 years and is truly loved by so many across the globe.'
'I'll truly miss it, and forever be grateful to it, and everyone that has played a part in my journey as the Doctor,' he added.