Russell T Davies has revealed he first called former Doctor Who showrunner Chris Chibnall after returning to helm new seasons of the sci-fi series.

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In a post celebrating the return of Steven Moffat to the timey-wimey world of Doctor Who, after it was announced he has penned an episode for the forthcoming season 14, Davies joked that Chibnall "ran off to write his new novel", before he rang Moffat.

"It is, of course, brilliant. Beyond brilliant, it's an absolutely mesmerising episode," he wrote on Instagram.

"I'm lucky and proud and honoured to be working with Steven Moffat, the great man... Steven was the second phone call I made, after getting the old job back. The first was Chris Chibnall, but he sent love and kisses and RAN! Off to write his new novel!

"So stand back, get ready, and travel with the Doctor and Ruby to the most dangerous world you can imagine, and… Antelope. Moment. Drums."

Ncuti Gatwa as the Doctor and Millie Gibson as Ruby Sunday in Doctor Who leaning against a silver wall
Ncuti Gatwa as the Doctor and Millie Gibson as Ruby Sunday in Doctor Who. BBC BBC

Chibnall took over the BBC sci-fi from Moffat in 2017 and introduced Jodie Whittaker as the Thirteenth Doctor.

"I always knew I wanted the Thirteenth Doctor to be a woman, and we're thrilled to have secured our number one choice," Chibnall said at the time.

Chibnall is best known for creating ITV's Broadchurch, and was also the head writer for the first two seasons of Doctor Who spin-off Torchwood.

Moffat's return comes after he previously told RadioTimes.com that he would "have to be insane" to come back to the sci-fi series.

Speaking of his return, Moffat said: "Yes, OK, fair enough – apologies to everyone I've very slightly misled – I am in fact writing an episode of the series of Doctor Who. Exactly like I said I never would. What can I tell you?

"There was begging, there was pleading, but finally Russell agreed to let me have another go – so long as I got out of his garden. Working with old friends and a brand new Doctor, I couldn't be happier.

"Sorry I was a bit reticent on the subject for so long. It was all part of an elaborate plan that would have delighted millions, but at the last minute I forgot what it was."

Doctor Who will return on Saturday 11th May. Doctor Who is available to watch on BBC iPlayer and on BritBox – you can sign up for a 7-day free trial here.

Check out more of our Sci-Fi coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guideto find out what's on.

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Authors

Katelyn MensahEntertainment and Factual Writer

Katelyn Mensah is the Entertainment and Factual Writer for Radio Times, covering all major entertainment programmes, reality TV shows and the latest hard-hitting documentaries. She previously worked at The Tab, with a focus on reality TV and showbiz news and has obtained a BA (Hons) in Journalism.

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