Doctor Who Christmas special cancelled for 2026

For fans of the show, the Doctor Who Christmas special has become almost as much of a festive tradition as Santa Claus and Home Alone.

But, this year it's been cancelled, as the BBC plans what direction the programme will take in the future.

Last year it had been said that there would be a festive special in 2026.

However, the BBC have now said that's no longer the case, adding the decision was made "after careful consideration" and "had not been taken lightly".

Are you a Doctor Who fan? How do you feel about the announcement?

Let us know in the comments below...

The last series of Doctor Who aired in May 2025, with Ncuti Gatwa's time as the doctor at an end.

The final episode ended with the character regenerating into Billie Piper, who previously played Rose Tyler in the show, making a surprise appearance

But it wasn't clear if Billie would be returning as Rose or as the Doctor.

Now show runner Russell T Davies has announced he's also leaving, so it's not clear how this storyline will play out, or whether a new boss could take the programme in a completely different direction.

Davies said he was "as excited as anyone to see what comes next".

He added: "Will they keep the theme tune? Will they lose the blue box? Will they bring back the Drahvin?! It's all up for grabs, which is so Doctor Who, exciting and unpredictable and new! Here comes the future."

The BBC is now is asking for production companies to put themselves forward to produce the next series.

Disney had been co-producing the show with Cardiff-based production company Bad Wolf, but in 2025 Disney confirmed it would no longer be involved with the show.

What do you want to see from the next Doctor Who series? Let us know in the comments...