Not the best of sources, but The Sun is reporting that Doctor Who will be exterminated next year after the end of the fourth series. The paper claims producer Russell T. Davies, exhausted by 16-hour days, has decided to axe the BBC1 sci-fi drama and concentrate on other projects and he and senior staff have hatched a plot to hand in a group resignation in summer 2008.
If true, this seems very odd to me — although there are also rumours that Robin Hood will not return after season two, so maybe this is part of a wider cull of fantasy shows. Perhaps with the BBC recently deciding childhood stops at 11, corprorate suits (better known as Daleks) feel there’s no need for such shows and we’re all better off watching gritty reality-driven misery like Holby Blue (police), Black (fueneral directors), Green (bin men) or whatever.
Any cancellation decision seems a bit premature. There’s clearly demand for the show both in the UK and abroad, the BBC is building a talented pool of writers and other creative staff, and I’m sure there are plenty of talented producers who could take over the show if RTD does want to move on. It seems clear from the show’s rating success that there is a mainstream audience for strong fantasy TV if done right.
- About the Author
- Latest Posts
The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.
Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”.
He’s the writer of “Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies” for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs” with Dave Hailwood.
Categories: Doctor Who, Television
Celestial Toyroom Annual 2025 vworps your way soon 
Titan Comics delivers new Conan, Doctor Who – and Battletoads, too! 
Artist and Writer Bret M. Herholz faces Doctor Who: Panel to Panel Mind Probe 
Christmas comics and Doctor Who TV Comic rarities included in latest Phil-Comics auction