Russell T Davies will return to be showrunner for Doctor Who ahead of its 60th anniversary in 2023.

The award-winning writer will succeed Chris Chibnall who will depart next year.

BBC Studios will be partnering with Bad Wolf to produce.

Davies was responsible for bringing the classic sci-fi programme back in 2005, and was credited with propelling it to new heights both critically and commercially.

He left the show in 2009, but still contributed with spin-offs in The Sarah Jane Adventures and Torchwood.

Davies has worked on several successful programmes since the Doctor Who days, including Years and Years, A Very English Scandal and It’s A Sin, which aired at the beginning of 2021.

Speaking about coming back he said: “I’m beyond excited to be back on my favourite show. But we’re time-travelling too fast, there’s a whole series of Jodie Whittaker’s brilliant Doctor for me to enjoy, with my friend and hero Chris Chibnall at the helm – I’m still a viewer for now.”

The departing Chibnall was happy to be passing the torch over.

He said: “It’s monumentally exciting and fitting that Doctor Who’s 60th anniversary will see one of Britain’s screenwriting diamonds return home.

“Russell built the baton that is about to be handed back to him  - Doctor Who, the BBC, the screen industry in Wales, and let’s be honest everyone in the whole world, have so many reasons to be very excited indeed about what lies ahead.” 

Jodie Whittaker will leave her role as the Doctor after a trio of specials in 2022, leaving Davies to pick who will take over the role for the 60th anniversary and beyond.