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Russell T Davies's longtime producing partner reveals why she's not bidding for Doctor Who

A major player in British TV has politely declined a trip in the TARDIS.

Ncuti Gatwa as Doctor Who stood in the Tardis one hand on the controls the other outstretched and wearing a determined look.

BBC Studios/Disney/Bad Wolf/James Pardon

Published: Sunday, 6 September 2026 at 9:00 am

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Russell T Davies's longtime producing partner Nicola Shindler has ruled her company out of the competitive tender process for Doctor Who.

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The sci-fi series is in its most precarious spot in a generation, since Disney+ opted not to renew its contract after co-producing seasons 14, 15 and the 60th anniversary specials.

This, combined with a mixed critical reception to the latest episodes, has left the show bruised and seeking a new benefactor to top up the BBC's ever-shrinking budgets.

So far, it's unclear who, if anyone, has entered serious talks for the gig, but Quay Street Productions (Tip Toe, The Stolen Girl, Fool Me Once) is firmly ruled out.

"It's not for me. I can say that definitively," revealed Quay Street founder Shindler, in an interview with Radio Times at the Edinburgh TV Festival 2026.

"I think what Russell did with it was absolutely brilliant. I really enjoyed that last series, both of them. I've enjoyed all of them actually, but it isn't my forte."

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Shindler's main focus in recent years has been crime thrillers and mystery dramas, from Netflix's juggernaut Harlan Coben adaptations to ITV's After the Flood.

Despite her decades-long friendship with a diehard Whovian in the form of Davies, Shindler admits she hasn't picked up his franchise expertise.

"I don't think it'd be my strength. I think there's way better people out there who could do it," she added, joking that Davies has roasted her for asking how the TARDIS disappears.

Russell T Davies and Nicola Shindler photographed at an ITV event, standing arm in arm and smiling for the camera

Russell T Davies and Nicola Shindler. Kate Green/Getty Images

If not adventures in time and space, what does Shindler aspire to produce at Quay Street? The first show that comes to mind is Jesse Armstrong's HBO hit Succession.

"It's just made with such confidence, and the writing there is just so extraordinary," explained Shindler. "And even episodes that don't really move the story on are just so entertaining to watch.

"So, things like that, that have that scale, I'm really jealous of that. I'm jealous, but I'm glad I don't make them because then I get to watch them!"

Netflix UK's VP of content Anne Mensah appeared to rule the streamer out of contention for Doctor Who's tender in another interview with Radio Times from Edinburgh.

The comments will do nothing to assuage fears that Doctor Who may be heading into another long hiatus, as recently predicted by former writer and guest star Mark Gatiss.

Doctor Who is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.

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Authors

Black and white cut-out portrait headshot of David Craig, smiling against a lime green background.

David CraigSenior Drama Writer

David Craig is the Senior Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering the latest and greatest scripted drama and comedy across television and streaming. Previously, he worked at Starburst Magazine, presented The Winter King Podcast for ITVX and studied Journalism at the University of Sheffield.

Headshot of Louise Griffin, RadioTimes.com's Sci-Fi and Fantasy editor. She has long brown hair, is smiling and her head is turned to her right

Louise GriffinSci-Fi and Fantasy Editor

Louise Griffin is the Sci-Fi & Fantasy Editor for Radio Times, covering everything from Doctor Who, Star Wars and Marvel to House of the Dragon and Good Omens. She previously worked at Metro as a Senior Entertainment Reporter and has a degree in English Literature.

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