Broadchurch writer replacing Moffat on Doctor Who

The BBC has confirmed that Steven Moffat will step down as lead writer and exec producer on popular sci-fi series Doctor Who, with Broadchurch writer Chris Chibnall stepping into the role.

The BBC said it was Moffat’s decision to step down after six seasons. During his run in charge of the show there have been two new Doctors, Matt Smith and Peter Capaldi.

The show is one of BBC Worldwide’s best sellers internationally, and Moffat’s last episodes will be seen in spring 2017.

“While Chris is doing his last run of Broadchurch, I’ll be finishing up on the best job in the universe and keeping the Tardis warm for him,” said Moffat. “It took a lot of gin and tonic to talk him into this, but I am beyond delighted that one of the true stars of British television drama will be taking the Time Lord even further into the future.

“At the start of season eleven, Chris Chibnall will become the new showrunner of Doctor Who. And I will be thrown in a skip.”

Chibnall becomes showrunner on the show, ending his run on hit ITV miniseries Broadchurch.

“Doctor Who is the ultimate BBC programme: bold, unique, vastly entertaining, and adored all around the world,” he said. “I’ve loved Doctor Who since I was four years old, and I’m relishing the thought of working with the exceptional team at BBC Wales to create new characters, creatures and worlds for the Doctor to explore.”