Steven Moffat wrote several standout episodes of Doctor Who when Russell T Davies was showrunner and later succeeded him in that role for Matt Smith and Peter Capaldi's respective stints as the Doctor.
Rumours swirled earlier this month that Moffat might have returned to the franchise to pen this year's Christmas Special. Now, though, it's been confirmed (via SFFGazette.com) that Moffat has indeed written an episode of the Ncuti Gatwa's first season as the Time Lord, with Julie-Anne Robinson directing.
Moffat has been celebrated for his work on Doctor Who and, as noted, is best known for penning some of the most praised episodes in the show's history as well as creating one of its most terrifying and iconic monsters, the Weeping Angels.
Outside of Doctor Who, Moffat co-created the multi-award-winning series Sherlock. Now he's back in the TARDIS, returning alongside Davies, as he writes a whole new adventure for the upcoming season debuting this May.
BAFTA, Emmy and Golden Globe nominee Julie-Anne Robinson kicks off the season by directing the episode picking up after this past Christmas' "The Church on Ruby Road." She's previously helmed several blockbuster television series including Bridgerton, Orange Is The New Black, and Scandal, and will helm both the premiere and Moffat's return.
"Yes, okay, fair enough - apologies to everyone I’ve very slightly misled - I am in fact writing an episode of the series of Doctor Who," Moffat says. "Exactly like I said I never would. What can I tell you? There was begging, there was pleading but finally Russell agreed to let me have another go - so long as I got out of his garden."
"Working with old friends and a brand new Doctor I couldn’t be happier. Sorry I was a bit reticent on the subject for so long. It was all part of an elaborate plan that would have delighted millions but at the last minute I forgot what it was."
Robinson adds, "It was a tremendous honour to direct episodes of Doctor Who for the BBC and Disney+. This beloved franchise is 60 years old and still going strong. It is part of our collective memory as Brits. I’ve always admired Russell T Davies and Ncuti Gatwa is an unbelievably talented actor who has stepped into the role of the Fifteenth Doctor effortlessly, alongside the equally talented Millie Gibson."
"Steven Moffat gave me an intense challenge as a director. I asked him for a keyword to describe the overall tone of the episode he said: ‘Hitchcock’. I can’t wait to see what everyone thinks. I’m grateful to Bad Wolf, the BBC and Disney+. It was an incredible experience."
Doctor Who premieres on Disney+/BBC on May 10/May 11.