Doctor Who will return with a Christmas special next year, written by showrunner Russell T Davies, the BBC has confirmed.

In an announcement on Tuesday, the corporation also said it would no longer be partnering with Disney+ - the home of the sci-fi show outside the UK for the past two series - for its next season.

But producers said the BBC remains "fully committed to the show" and will announce plans for the next series "in due course to ensure the Doctor's adventures continue".

Lindsay Salt, director of drama at the BBC, thanked Disney+ for "being terrific global partners and collaborators over the past two seasons" and for the upcoming spin-off series The War Between The Land And The Sea.

There is still uncertainty about exactly when Doctor Who will return properly, however, and who will play the famous titular role going forward.

But Salt allayed fears from some fans following reports that the show may have been shelved for good.

"The BBC remains fully committed to Doctor Who, which continues to be one of our most loved dramas, and we are delighted that Russell T Davies has agreed to write us another spectacular Christmas special for 2026," he added.

"We can assure fans, the Doctor is not going anywhere, and we will be announcing plans for the next series in due course, which will ensure the Tardis remains at the heart of the BBC."

Doctor Who, which first aired in 1963, last appeared on our screens in May this year, when the outgoing doctor Ncuti Gatwa regenerated into Billie Piper in the series finale.

Piper, who previously played the Doctor's assistant, Rose Tyler, said in a statement at the time that she was delighted to be returning to the show but that fans would have to "wait and see" what her character did next.

The new doctor has usually been introduced on the show through regeneration, but Piper's statement did not make it clear whether she will be the 16th doctor.

Spin-off show The War Between The Land And The Sea, starring Being Human actor Russell Tovey, will air on BBC One later this year.

Meanwhile, a new Doctor Who animated series is also in development for CBeebies.