I have never felt compelled to write about anything on TV in this way before, but after seeing the finale of the latest series of Dr Who “The Reality War”, I had to send my thoughts to Russell T Davies and the BBC Dr Who team:
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Dear Russell T Davies and the BBC Doctor Who team,

As a lifelong and deeply passionate fan of Doctor Who, I write this letter with heartfelt concern and a sincere desire to see this extraordinary series flourish once again. Such is the dedication and devotion that I have to Dr Who that my husband created a TARDIS door in our house that leads to a “Retro Room” filled with computers from days gone by and happier times. Whenever I feel low or in need of a lift, it is the Doctor I turn to in order to raise my spirits. Sadly, this hasn’t happened for me with recent episodes.

The last two series starring Ncuti Gatwa have certainly brought a fresh and vibrant energy, with Ncuti himself radiating charisma and wit. Yet, I – and many fans like me – cannot ignore the growing sense of unease. The show has lost much of the magic that made it such a beloved part of British culture.

It feels as though the writing and editing have become disjointed. Key plot points and arcs are being scribbled in on a whim rather than carefully crafted. My friend, Professor Daniel Dresner, who is a Lecturer in Cyber Security at the University of Manchester described it perfectly when he said on X/Twitter that it seems like “someone is busy with other things who then pops back to the typewriter (with a mouth full of toast) and bashes in a bit of storyline without thinking about the plot.” I could not agree more.

I understand the importance of progress and inclusivity in modern storytelling, but for me Doctor Who was always about weaving these universal themes into thrilling, tightly knit adventures. It is not simply about checking boxes or cramming in topical issues at the expense of coherent, compelling narratives.

The core of Doctor Who has always been its ability to blend the timeless with the timely. I want to see the Daleks and Cybermen return as real, terrifying foes. To feel that chill of suspense that made my heart race once again. As a child watching Tom Baker as Dr Who, I would often hide behind the sofa whenever the Daleks appeared on screen. I long for the sense of continuity and weight that arcs like the Time War and the Doctor’s personal struggles once brought, and I miss the balance of humour, horror, hope and heartbreak.

Audience numbers are dwindling fast, which is a clear signal that something fundamental has been lost. And as much as I love the character of Rose Tyler, bringing her back as the Doctor when Ncuti Gatwa regenerated smacked of sheer desperation to win back the lost audience numbers.

Please, for the love of this incredible series and the generations of fans it has touched, I urge you to pause, re-evaluate, and consider returning to the roots that made Doctor Who a cultural phenomenon for over 60 years.

Bring back the tight, clever plots. Bring back the genuine mystery, the emotional stakes, and the timeless monsters that have always made this show special. Let the Doctor’s adventures feel once again like grand epics with purpose, not like fleeting, confused vignettes.

I’m rooting for you. I want to see Doctor Who thrive for another 60 years, but it will only do so if it remains true to the spirit that captured our imaginations in the first place.

Yours sincerely,

Lisa Ventura MBE FCIIS
Lifelong Fan of Dr Who
Retro Room Entrance and TARDIS Door In My House