Doctor Who casting legend Andy Pryor has confirmed he's stepping down following news that the BBC is putting the show out to tender.
The BBC has confirmed that this year's Christmas special has been cancelled, and Russell T Davies has stepped down as showrunner.
Casting director Pryor, who has worked on Doctor Who since it was rebooted in 2005 and who has cast every Doctor of the modern era, also confirmed he's stepping back in a statement on Instagram.
"It’s the end of a long, happy and thrilling era," he said. "196 episodes. 8 Doctors. Anything between 10 and 30 companions, depending on your definition. Several thousand cast members (a figure that’s pretty much impossible to be precise about.) Thank you to each and every one of them."
He added: "And the biggest thanks to my colleagues who invited me on board way back when and became my great friends @russelltdavies63 & @juliegardnerbwa. Not to mention the great years with @stevenwmoffat & #ChrisChibnall."
Pryor's departure comes after the BBC confirmed it will put the show out to competitive tender this year.
The broadcaster said in a statement: "As part of securing the next phase of the show for future generations, and in line with the BBC’s Charter and Agreement requirements, the BBC will put Doctor Who out to competitive tender this year.
"Doctor Who remains an important part of the BBC and this tender underpins the BBC’s continued commitment to Doctor Who ensuring audiences will enjoy the show for years to come.
"After careful consideration, the BBC, Russell T Davies and Bad Wolf have collectively decided not to go ahead with the previously announced Doctor Who Christmas episode.
"This decision was not taken lightly, and we know it will be disappointing for fans, but in order to set the show up for future series, it was decided that rather than bridge the gap with a one off special, we are choosing to push forward to invest in the long-term future of the show which ensures that when the TARDIS lands once more, it does so in all its glory.
"The previously announced new Doctor Who animation series for CBeebies is currently in production. Details of the tender will be announced in due course.
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"The BBC retains all IP in Doctor Who. BBC Studios will continue to lead the global distribution of Doctor Who as well as licensing, consumer products, digital and immersive experiences on behalf of the BBC."
Davies, who returned as showrunner ahead of the 60th anniversary specials, also shared a statement on Instagram, confirming his departure.
He said: "And so GOODBYE from me to Doctor Who but HELLO to a big new future for the show, as the BBC announces it’s putting the show out to tender.
"As a result, there won’t be a Christmas Special – we only cooked that up to guarantee a future when no one knew what would happen, but now we do know, there’s no need for it.
"You’ll have to wait a bit longer for new Doctor Who… but you’ll be waiting for MORE Doctor Who than a one-off. So it’s worth it! For the record: there was no script, I never wrote it, and no actor was ever approached to play the next Doctor.
"You may disagree; fine, sit in that chair and wait to be proved right. You’ll wait a lonnng time."Now I’m as excited as anyone to see what comes next! Will they keep the theme tune? Will they lose the blue box?
"Will they bring back the Drahvin?! It’s all up for grabs, which is so Doctor Who, exciting and unpredictable and new! Here comes the future, vworp vworp."
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