Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies has given a definitive statement on the chances of David Tennant returning to the franchise. Davies revived the cult British science-fiction show in 2005, with Christopher Eccleston cast as the Ninth Doctor, but he was promptly replaced after just a single series by Tennant’s Tenth Doctor, who became a fan favorite. Davies departed as showrunner in 2010, which coincided with Tennant also leaving the role, before the two returned to the franchise in 2023, where Tennant regenerated as the Fourteenth Doctor and starred in the Doctor Who 60th Anniversary specials.
Davies remains as showrunner, and is already planning the future of the franchise with Gatwa, but the Queer As Folk creator spoke to The Times to address lingering rumors surrounding the possibility of Tennant returning once again. Tennant left after the specials and was replaced by incumbent Time Lord Ncuti Gatwa, who will head up Doctor Who season 14, which premieres May 11. Davies has definitively ruled out any chance of a return for the star, commenting ‘…he is absolutely not coming back.’ Check out Davies’ comments below:
Doctor Who has always been a show that is constantly evolving, but the unexpected decision to bring back Tennant caught many by surprise. Though it has never been definitively confirmed why Davies made this decision, there are several reasons why this decision could have been made. Davies himself was returning to the franchise after a long absence and likely wanted an actor he was familiar working with, who could bridge the gap between the Thirteenth and Fifteenth Doctors. Furthermore, reuniting a popular franchise pairing was bound to appeal to audiences, and increase interest in the specials.
Though some viewers may hold faint hope that Tennant could return once again, Davies’ comments seem pretty definitive. Being that Davies cast Tennant in the role, and presided over his tenure on the show – regarded as the most successful of the revival period – viewers will have to take him at his word. The specials end with the Fourteenth Doctor getting a happy ending, something no other actor in the role has ever had. Bringing Tennant back would not only potentially ruin his ending, but undercut Gatwa as the new Doctor.
