The TARDIS is set to welcome fresh creative energy as bestselling author Juno Dawson and a cohort of talented writers join the team penning the upcoming season of Doctor Who. This injection of new blood into the writers’ room signals an exciting era for the beloved science fiction series, promising innovative storylines and perspectives for fans worldwide.
Juno Dawson, already familiar to Doctor Who aficionados through her spin-off podcast Doctor Who: Redacted, is stepping into the main series alongside Pete McTighe, Inua Ellams, and Sharma Angel-Walfall. These additions, announced as showrunner Russell T Davies revives and regenerates the series, highlight a commitment to diversifying the narrative landscape of Doctor Who.
Dawson’s background as a celebrated author, known for works like This Book is Gay and Her Majesty’s Royal Coven, brings a unique voice to the Doctor Who writers. Her podcast, featuring former Doctor Jodie Whittaker, delves into supernatural conspiracies within the Whoniverse, demonstrating her deep understanding and passion for the source material. This pre-existing engagement with the Doctor Who universe makes her a particularly exciting addition to the writing team.
Pete McTighe is another notable addition, bringing considerable genre experience. He is not only a writer but also an executive producer on The War Between The Land And The Sea, a major spin-off expanding the Davies-era “Whoniverse” and starring Gugu Mbatha-Raw and Russell Tovey. McTighe’s credits also include writing and executive producing credits on dramas such as A Discovery of Witches and The Pact, showcasing his versatility in crafting compelling television narratives.
Sharma Angel-Walfall, with credits on projects like Supacell and The Ballad of Renegade Nell, and Inua Ellams, an acclaimed poet and playwright, further enrich the diverse backgrounds of the Doctor Who writers room. This blend of experiences, from YA fiction and podcasting to stage and screen drama, suggests a multifaceted approach to storytelling in the new season.
For Juno Dawson, joining Doctor Who is a dream realized. She fondly recalls watching the series with her grandmother in the 1990s and expresses immense excitement about contributing to “the best TV show of all time.” This personal connection to the show, coupled with her professional writing achievements, positions her as a significant voice among the new Doctor Who writers.
The forthcoming season marks a significant chapter for Doctor Who. Following the introduction of Ncuti Gatwa as the Doctor and the partnership with Disney+ for co-production, the series is reaching a broader global audience. With Russell T Davies at the helm as showrunner and an invigorated team of Doctor Who writers, including Dawson, McTighe, Ellams, and Angel-Walfall, the future of Doctor Who looks brighter and more creatively diverse than ever. Fans eagerly anticipate the new season and the fresh narratives these talented writers will bring to the Whoniverse.
