BBC reveal major show ‘is going nowhere' after lead star quit as bosses give update on beleaguered series

Scottish Sun

6 hours ago

The last series had been bankrolled by Disney+
WHO, WHAT, WHERE? BBC reveal major show 'is going nowhere' after lead star quit as bosses give update on beleaguered series
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THE BBC has tried to alleviate the concerns of Doctor Who fans after Ncuti Gatwa quit the Tardis following the shortest Time Lord tenure in 20 years.
But they've not been very convincing.
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The BBC has tried to alleviate the concerns of Doctor Who fans after Ncuti Gatwa's exit
Credit: PA
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Gatwa had the shortest Time Lord tenure in 20 years
Credit: PA
The corporation's new Chief Content Officer Katie Phillips was grilled about the sci-fi show's future on a stage at the Edinburgh TV Festival, and she couldn't say for sure when, or if, it would be recommissioned by them.
She was asked about Disney+, who bankrolled the last two series, and whether the Beeb would be willing to keep the show going if they didn't renew their arrangement.
Katie replied: 'Absolutely. Any Whovians out there, rest assured, Doctor Who is going nowhere.
'Disney has been a great partnership, but going forward with or without Disney Doctor Who will still be on the BBC.'
But when pressed on when they'd confirm any decision she replied: 'Soon, don't worry.
"The Tardis is going nowhere. Lindsay Salt will be on soon so she can talk a bit more about that.'
Then when Lindsay, the BBC's director of drama, arrived on the same stage, she was equally vague about the long-running show.
She said: 'There's no update at the moment, but honestly we will share as soon as we do have an update.
'The BBC is committed to the brand.
"For drama, it's the biggest brand for the under 35-year-olds.
Billie Piper announced as new Doctor Who as she replaces Ncuti Gatwa in BBC series
"So it's very important to us and we're committed.'
A massive question mark now hangs over the future of the show and whether the Beeb's 'commitment' and determination to keep it 'with the BBC' actually means they'll order a new series any time soon.
It all comes after Ncuti's departure amid plunging viewing figures, which some fans have blamed on the increasingly woke storylines under the tenure of Russell T Davies.
The BBC had previously said they wouldn't make any decisions until after the most recent series finished running — well, that was nearly three months ago now.
Bizbit
SKY announced that it is making an interview series with Dame Judi Dench which will see her chat to various celebrities.
Called Tea With Judi Dench, the show sees her tap into her contacts book for subjects – the first being her fellow luvvie Sir Kenneth Branagh.
PLOPPER FUNNY, DANNY
ATTENDEES at the Edinburgh TV Festival like to think they are a sophisticated bunch, but the biggest laugh heard at the event proved otherwise.
Sky unveiled a clip of its upcoming show, The Dyers' Caravan Park, which sees Danny Dyer and daughter Dani try their hand at running a holiday park they have invested in.
The first thing they are seen doing is organising a meeting with the residents.
During the chat, complaints are raised that the park's swimming pool had people doing number twos in there.
While discussing this later in the day, Danny delivers a lovely little anecdote to Dani.
He tells her: 'I s**t in the bath once, didn't I?
"Me and my brother used to have a bath and I s**t in it and I pushed it up his end of the bath, because I didn't want to get in trouble.'
You had to be there.
Bizbit
QUOTE of the day came, predictably, from hilarious ITV boss Kevin Lygo, who was asked at the TV festival how he felt about making shows for young people.
He was trying to say it could be a venture that could backfire, but instead said: 'You can get in terrible trouble chasing teenagers.'
NO LAUGHING MATTER
JUST like the contestants have to stifle a giggle, try to contain your excitement as Prime Video gives us a first look at the new line-up for Last One Laughing.
The breakout hit show has brought together a top-class collection of comedians for the second series, which arguably tops the first run.
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The cast of Last One Laughing series two
Bob Mortimer, who triumphed last time round, is back along with hosts Jimmy Carr and Roisin Conaty.
All Bob had to do to win was spend time with ten of the funniest men and women in Britain and not even smile, let alone laugh.
Which is no mean feat.
Prime Video promises that the new season, which airs next year, will once again be 'packed with comedy cameos, format twists and surprises designed to elicit laughs from both players and viewers alike'.