Steven Moffat Writing New Doctor Who Episode

Steven Moffat, former showrunner on Doctor Who, is writing an episode of the show due to air in Ncuti Gatwa’s first season as the Fifteenth Doctor.

Moffat first wrote on the show when Russell T Davies revived it in 2005. He then went on to succeed as showrunner, leading the show during the Matt Smith and Peter Capaldi eras.

Davies, now, is returning as showrunner. Julie-Anne Robinson kicks off the season by directing the episode that succeeds “The Church on Ruby Road,” which aired at Christmas.

Moffat said: “Yes, OK, fair enough—apologies to everyone I’ve very slightly misled—I am, in fact, writing an episode of the series of Doctor Who. Exactly like I said, I never would. What can I tell you? There was begging, there was pleading, but finally, Russell agreed to let me have another go—so long as I got out of his garden. Working with old friends and a brand new Doctor, I couldn’t be happier. Sorry, I was a bit reticent on the subject for so long. It was all part of an elaborate plan that would have delighted millions, but at the last minute, I forgot what it was.”

Robinson added: “It was a tremendous honor to direct episodes of Doctor Who for the BBC and Disney+. This beloved franchise is 60 years old and still going strong. It is part of our collective memory as Brits. I’ve always admired Russell T Davies, and Ncuti Gatwa is an unbelievably talented actor who has stepped into the role of the Fifteenth Doctor effortlessly alongside the equally talented Millie Gibson. Steven Moffat gave me an intense challenge as a director. I asked him for a keyword to describe the overall tone of the episode, and he said: ‘Hitchcock.’ I can’t wait to see what everyone thinks. I’m grateful to Bad Wolf, the BBC and Disney+. It was an incredible experience.”

The new season of Doctor Who will premiere simultaneously for the first time on BBC iPlayer and Disney+. In the U.K., the first two new episodes of the season will premiere at midnight on May 11 on BBC iPlayer and then on BBC One later that day. Episodes will drop on BBC iPlayer followed by a prime-time slot on BBC One each week following that.

Outside the U.K., Doctor Who begins streaming May 10 at 7 p.m. on Disney+.