Doctor Who's Russell T Davies explains how Star Trek inspired the "next stage" for the show

Doctor Who writer Russell T Davies has explained the reason why he decided to return to the sci-fi show, revealing he was inspired the resurgence of Star Trek.

Speaking to GQ, Davies said that seeing the success of Star Trek gave him the inspiration for where he could take the show next.

"I watch the Star Trek empire with vast envy: the way that's turned itself from an old archive show into something fantastic," he said.

preview for Doctor Who 60th anniversary specials trailer (BBC)

"So I thought it was time for the next stage for Doctor Who. I thought the streaming platforms are ready, the spin-offs are ready," Davies continued, explaining that budget had been tight when he previously worked on the show.

"Very much left after 2008, when the money became scarce, I think that's fair enough for the public service broadcaster that the money is spent on other things."

However, he added that this time round the show has a considerably bigger budget, thanks to an investment from Disney+.

"We're not allowed to talk about budget, and we're not on that Star Wars or Star Trek level, but it's more than I've ever had to work with."

Frederick M. Brown//Getty Images

Elsewhere in the interview, Davies confirmed that the increased budget will allow Doctor Who spin-offs, similar to Torchwood and The Sarah Jane Adventures, to return.

Davies previously discussed returning after spending lockdown hosting a watchalong of previous seasons with former stars David Tennant and Catherine Tate.

The shrowrunner is kicking off his return to the franchise with the 60th anniversary special episodes, seeing Tate and Tennant reprise their roles, before Ncuti Gatwa takes over as the Fifteenth Doctor.

Doctor Who returns in 2023 on BBC One in the UK and Disney+ elsewhere. Meanwhile, in the US, the show airs on BBC America, with series 1-12 available on HBO Max. Classic Doctor Who streams on BritBox in the UK.

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Brenna Cooper

Reporter, Digital Spy
Brenna Cooper is a freelance journalist, who currently specialises in entertainment reporting. She joined Digital Spy in 2022, writing TV and movies stories for the site. After graduating with an NCTJ accredited Journalism Masters from the University of Sheffield in 2020 she has since embarked on a freelance career.

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