A new Christmas special of Doctor Who has been cancelled while the BBC plans the next phase of the sci-fi show.

The corporation announced last year that there would be a festive special in 2026, but confirmed on Wednesday that it will no longer proceed.

Instead, the broadcaster is inviting production companies to put themselves forward to help co-produce the next series.

Showrunner Russell T Davies also confirmed he will leave, external the long-running programme, writing on Instagram that it is “goodbye from me but hello to a big new future for the show”.

BBC cancels Doctor Who Christmas special and Russell T Davies announces exit, BBC News