Doctor Who boss Russell T Davies warns of “censorship” in fiery speech after BAFTA win

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Russell T Davies, who currently leads the Doctor Who revival and has written acclaimed shows like Queer as Folk, It’s a Sin, and Years and Years, has spoken out about the dangers of censorship happening today.

Davies received the Outstanding Contribution to Television award at the BAFTA Cymru Awards last night. During his acceptance speech, he explained that increasing regulations are leading writers to self-censor their work.

Davies cautioned that television tends to play it safe during difficult times. He also acknowledged the challenges of adhering to regulations, emphasizing that he doesn’t fault the compliance teams, who are dedicated and face a demanding workload.

I think the managers are at fault for panicking, and I understand why – I’ve personally been in that situation before.

He explained that increasingly strict rules are stifling free expression. He felt pressured to self-censor, constantly being told what he *couldn’t* say instead of being allowed to speak his mind directly. He believes this self-imposed restriction is a form of censorship, not necessarily imposed by the government, but originating from within ourselves.

We often worry about what others will think and end up limiting ourselves, censoring our own thoughts and actions before anyone else even has a chance to react.

It’s when creators – not just those writing for TV dramas, but all writers, including those working on children’s shows, documentaries, or any other kind of entertainment – start censoring themselves, thinking ‘audiences won’t accept this’ or ‘it won’t get made,’ that’s the real problem.

That’s the most damaging kind of censorship, because it stops an idea from being shared in the first place.

In a speech shared on Instagram, Davies stated that given the challenges ahead, the BBC should stand for ‘Big Balls Corporation’.

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It’s time for TV channels to actually live up to their names. Let’s have an ITV that’s truly independent, a Channel 4 dedicated to a specific purpose, and a Netflix that prioritizes diverse representation, particularly with more trans-focused content. It’s a simple idea, but it’s taken a surprisingly long time to gain traction.

We’re witnessing a disturbing trend in America where the government is increasingly targeting the media. They’re actively going after journalists, filing lawsuits, and unfortunately, others are taking note and likely to follow suit. This is a real and growing threat.

At its finest, television can be a powerful force for good – a source of truth, understanding, and fairness. It can illuminate important issues and guide us through difficult times. We must protect that valuable role and ensure it continues to shine. Thank you.

Lost Boys and Fairies was the night’s biggest success at the BAFTA Cymru Awards, winning five awards. Anna Maxwell Martin was recognized as best Actress for her performance in Until I Kill You.

While fans eagerly anticipate what’s next for Doctor Who, Russell T Davies is currently working on two new projects. One is a five-part Doctor Who spin-off called The War Between the Land and the Sea, which is scheduled to air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer next year.

Fans of Russell T Davies can also enjoy his new Channel 4 series, Tip Toe, featuring Alan Cumming and David Morrissey.

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2025-10-06 13:04