When will Doctor Who return?

Doctor Who is set to return with a new episode in December 2026, according to the BBC's announcement.

Who will play the Doctor in the 2026 episode?

Billie Piper is expected to reprise her role as the Doctor in the upcoming 2026 episode, marking her highly anticipated return to the franchise.

What happened to the BBC's partnership with Disney+ for Doctor Who?

The BBC has confirmed that their partnership with Disney+ as co-producers of Doctor Who is coming to an end, though the details of this decision are not entirely clear.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Doctor Who's 2026 Return Confirmed as BBC-Disney+ Partnership Ends

Doctor Who's 2026 Return Confirmed as BBC-Disney+ Partnership Ends

28 Oct, 2025

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Summary

Doctor Who to return with new episode in 2026
Billie Piper's return as the Doctor expected
BBC-Disney+ partnership for the show ending

Doctor Who's 2026 Return Confirmed as BBC-Disney+ Partnership Ends

As of October 28, 2025, the future of the beloved sci-fi series Doctor Who has been a topic of much speculation and uncertainty. However, the BBC has now provided some concrete answers about the show's upcoming plans.

The good news is that Doctor Who will indeed return with a new episode in 2026, with showrunner Russell T. Davies writing a Christmas special for the series. This special is expected to feature Billie Piper's iteration of the Doctor, much to the excitement of fans who have been eagerly awaiting her comeback.

Unfortunately, the BBC's partnership with Disney+ as co-producers of Doctor Who is coming to an end. While the details of this decision are not entirely clear, it's possible that Disney+ was not impressed with the show's viewership numbers on the streaming platform, leading to a change in their stance on a guaranteed renewal for a third season.