While there’s been some speculation over the future of the main show and the continued involvement (and financial backing) of Disney, the BBC looks set to expand the Doctor Who universe with an all-new CBeebies animated series aimed at pre-school children.
“Everyone is welcome at CBeebies, including the Doctor,” said Patricia Hidalgo, Director of Children’s and Education. “This much-loved franchise entertains millions around the world, so it is only right that our younger audience get to experience the wonder and the magic of the Doctor in a brand new format. This is an extremely exciting opportunity, and we are looking forward to welcoming companies to pitch for this new project, as we continue our commitment and investment in the UK’s animation industry.”
There have been a number of animated Doctor Who specials over the years, including 2003’s Scream of the Shalka, 2007’s The Infinite Quest, and 2009’s Dreamland, while many of the earlier “missing” episodes of Classic Doctor Who have been reconstructed via animation by the BBC. However, this new project would mark the first full animated series for the long-running franchise.
The CBeebies series is in early development, with the BBC said to be taking pitches from production companies for a show “that will see the Doctor travelling through time and space for the pre-school audience, solving mysteries and problems alongside their companions and other friends. And, of course, they may come up against one or two challenges on their way…”
SEE ALSO: Tom Baker returns to Doctor Who for more Fourth Doctor Adventures in September
Next up from the world of Doctor Who is the spinoff The War Between the Land and the Sea, which is coming soon to BBD iPlayer and Disney+. Watch the trailer here.
