Could Doctor Who’s 2026 Christmas Special be delayed because the BBC is struggling to find a new Doctor?
Film News Blitz’s Jonathon House ponders this question while examining the best names for the role.
Could ‘Doctor Who’ fans face a further delay for new content?
Towards the end of 2025, it was announced that the long-running science-fiction show would return on Christmas Day 2026 after months of uncertainty surrounding the show’s future.
More recently, however, there have been reports and rumours suggesting that the planned 2026 Christmas special could be pushed back to Easter 2027.
This is due to difficulties in finding a lead actor to take over the role of the Doctor.
A lot of fans began speculating that Billie Piper or David Tennant could return following Gatwa’s shocking regeneration into the former at the end of The Reality War.
While those theories are exciting, it’s important to remember that none of these reports has been officially confirmed and, at the moment, they remain purely speculation.
That said, here are a few actors who would make fantastic choices for the Doctor.
Tilda Swinton
In my opinion, Tilda Swinton has everything needed to play the Doctor.
She has the eccentric, quirky energy the role requires, while also being capable of bringing a darker, more mysterious side to the character.
The best versions of the Doctor balance light and darkness, and Tilda could absolutely do both brilliantly.
Andrew Scott
I think Andrew Scott would be incredible as a darker version of the Doctor while still being able to deliver the humour and charm the role needs.
The Sherlock star has such a unique screen presence and could bring something very unpredictable to the character.
Even though there are other actors I might personally prefer for the role, Scott would still fit the Doctor extremely well.
John Boyega
Known for his roles in Star Wars: The Force Awakens and Attack the Block, John Boyega would, in my opinion, bring a very human side to the Doctor, similar to how Tennant and Peter Davison approached the role.
Boyega would handle the emotional and darker moments with aplomb while also being great during more energetic and quirky scenes.
He has the charisma and emotional range needed to make the character feel both powerful and relatable.
Olivia Colman
For me, Olivia Colman would be the perfect choice to play the Doctor.
She could play a darker, more emotionally complex Doctor while still bringing warmth, humour, and awkward charm to the role.
Colman is one of those actors who can completely command a scene while still feeling natural and relatable.
Out of all the names mentioned, she would probably be my personal first choice for the Doctor.
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