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BBC Studios expects one or two of its labels to bid in Doctor Who tender

BBC Studios' scripted head Jamie Hall says one, potentially two, of its production companies will bid to make Doctor Who. The BBC's tender closes on 2 October 2026.

2 outlets · 0L · 2C · 0R First reported Account updated
Image: Radio Times
Image: Deadline

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Jamie Hall, who runs scripted at BBC Studios, told Deadline that "we've probably got one, potentially two companies" going for the tender to produce Doctor Who. Hall said the show "should sit within the BBC and the whole group should reap the rewards of it". A successful bid would bring the show back in house after two seasons made by Sony-owned Bad Wolf, starring Ncuti Gatwa.

Hall would not name the companies but said he would "100%" be happy for more than one to enter; he added that he has not seen their proposals and wants the bid not to become a distraction, since the process is onerous and costly. BBC Studios has an in-house drama label that made Doctor Who before Bad Wolf, and owns indies including Clerkenwell Films, Lookout Point and House Productions. Other interested companies include World Productions, owned by ITV Studios, and Electric Entertainment, while Quay Street, run by Nicola Schindler, has said it will not bid.

The BBC seeks a multi-episode series, including specials, for transmission in 2028/29, with pitches due on 2 October 2026 and a decision in spring 2027. The tender asks for a "relevant, surprising, brave and inspiring" vision and is open to pitches using episodic writers rather than a showrunner model. Hall said he would like the show to return to the feel of the Matt Smith and David Tennant eras, using its time off screen to let audiences rediscover it.

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Framing
Both outlets report Hall's comments as industry news on the race to produce Doctor Who. Deadline leads with the exclusive interview; Radio Times summarises it and adds tender details.
Emphasis
Deadline stresses BBC Studios' labels and the bringing of the show back in house; Radio Times stresses the tender's creative requirements, the deadline and the decision date.
Leaves out or plays down
Radio Times omits the named BBC Studios indies, the Bad Wolf and Disney+ context and the showrunner-model flexibility. Deadline omits the 2 October deadline, the spring 2027 decision and Quay Street's withdrawal.
Charged language
“throwing its hat in the ring”“beloved BBC sci-fi”
For example
“At least one BBC Studios indie will be throwing its hat in the ring to become the next producer of Doctor Who” — Deadline
“The beloved BBC sci-fi recently released its invitation to tender” — Radio Times

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