Former Doctor Who showrunner Chris Chibnall reacts to Jodie Whittaker’s return and references: “Oh, I exist!”

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Russell T Davies is back as the showrunner for Doctor Who, marking two years into his second run. He previously led the show from 2005 to 2010 and returned in 2023 for its 60th anniversary.

Russell T Davies returned as showrunner, taking over from Chris Chibnall who oversaw the show while Jodie Whittaker played the Doctor from 2018 to 2022.

Since Chris Chibnall stepped down as showrunner, Russell T Davies’ recent episodes have frequently looked back to Chibnall’s time, mentioning events like the Flux and the Doctor’s previously revealed backstory. Jodie Whittaker, who played the Doctor before Ncuti Gatwa, even made a brief appearance in Gatwa’s final episode, ‘The Reality War’.

In a recent video interview with our series, The TopMob Writers’ Room—where we explore the minds of screenwriters—Chris Chibnall discussed his thoughts on Jodie Whittaker’s return and the many nods to his time on the show that have appeared since he left.

He described the references as “lovely” and then recalled a specific instance involving Jodie Whittaker’s time on the show and something from Steven Moffat’s era – possibly related to the sonic screwdriver not working on wood. He remembered Steven being pleased, feeling like he’d made a contribution to Doctor Who and established his place in the show’s history. He added that this feeling – wanting to leave a mark on the show – is common among everyone involved.

You don’t really recognize your part in something while you’re actively working on it – it just feels like part of the job and something you can manage. But then when you get feedback, or someone brings up Karvinista, Flux, or even Jodie, it suddenly hits you: ‘Wow, that actually had an impact!’

He admitted it was really unique. He explained there wasn’t anything else quite like it, making it both enjoyable and unexpected. He likened the process to building a fire – adding new material to an already established base, building on previous work.

You’re always aware when you’re referencing something from a previous Doctor Who story, like ‘The Deadly Assassin’ or ‘The Brain of Morbius’. But it’s a nice surprise and really enjoyable when someone else points out those connections to you.

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Chris Chibnall recently discussed his career with The TopMob Writers’ Room, sharing insights into his work on shows like Torchwood, Law & Order: UK, and Broadchurch.

The screenwriter also discussed his upcoming Netflix series, Agatha Christie’s Seven Dials, featuring Mia McKenna-Bruce, Helena Bonham Carter, and Martin Freeman.

The full interview with Chris Chibnall for The TopMob Writers’ Room will be released on Thursday, January 15th.

Don’t miss out on Doctor Who and Agatha Christie’s Seven Dials! Add them to your watchlist on the TopMob: What to Watch app. Download it today for daily TV suggestions, articles, and more.

Authors

James HibbsDrama Writer

James Hibbs writes about TV dramas for TopMob, covering shows on streaming services and traditional channels. Before becoming a writer, he worked in public relations, first at a business-to-business agency and then at Fremantle, a major international television production company. He has a Bachelor’s degree in English and Theatre Studies, and a Level 5 Diploma in Journalism.

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2026-01-05 09:37