"Doctor Who" is scheduled to get a fresh start as Steven Moffat is taking his leave as the shworunner by the end of 2017. Steven will be replaced by "Broadchurch" writer/producer Chris Chibnall.
With Chris as head, BBC will introduce a new "Doctor" in 2018. Going back to the earlier format, a young lead actor is what in their mind.
Insiders told Mirror, "BBC management wants a return to the format from the David Tennant era, when you had a dashing male lead and young female companion. Merchandising has dropped off sharply in recent years and there is a strong desire to boost the show's popularity among kids."
BBC has reported that in 2018, they are planning to package Doctor Who as a "brand new show", so that Chris Chibnall can have a "clean slate" to start working on.
Back in 2010 when Moffat took over the show from Russell T Davies, Matt Smith was introduced as the new doctor, the Eleventh Doctor. He continued his role through season 5, 6 and 7 and then in specials.
The Twelfth Doctor is portrayed by Peter Capaldi, who is contracted for season 8, 9 and 10. Although Capaldi is a talented actor and an amazing Doctor, it seems like his age, now 58, is restricting him to connect with a younger generation, thus pulling down the show's ratings.
The merchandise sale, such as DVDs, toys and books, have also dropped in last few years.
Bad news for Pearl Mackie, who will be introduced as Peter's new companion in 2017, as she is will be in for just one season. According to Dark Horizons, Mackie has signed a one-year contract and will be leaving the show along with Peter Capaldi and Moffat.
Mirror further reports that season 10, which is currently being filmed for 2017, will include stories such as a snake monster living under the Thames, killer robots with Emoji faces, and the real reason why floorboards squeak- because of giant woodlice living in there.
Dark Horizons adds that Rona Munro, who wrote the final story of the original series run in 1989, will write the episode "The Eaters of Light" for next season.
