Season 14 of Doctor Who has recruited Phil Collinson, an original producer of the revived series from 2005-2008, to rejoin showrunner Russell T. Davies in the show's continuing adventures. Despite the original series' popularity lasting all the way into the 21st century, there was initially some doubt as to whether Doctor Who could work in a modern world when it came back to TV screens in 2005. After its cancellation in 1989, the show had remained as something of a joke in the minds of the British public due to its reputation for silly low-budget sci-fi affairs. It was clear when Davies opted to revive the show that there was something to prove as he and his team sought to remind audiences of the franchise’s fundamental strengths that made it a cultural phenomenon in the first place.

Davies would unequivocally succeed in this venture as his run on Doctor Who consistently topped the ratings, won multiple awards, and provided a solid template for a more modern Doctor Who, something that later Doctors like Steven Moffat and Chris Chibnall have since built upon that foundation. While Davies was the showrunner in charge of the enterprise, he was assisted enormously by his fellow executive producers, Julie Gardner and Phil Collinson. The three had a working relationship that lasted for almost the entirety of the 2005-2010 run and produced some of the most popular and influential television in modern British history.

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The Radio Times has confirmed that Collinson will be re-joining Doctor Who as a producer on season 14, the first season of Davies' second run on the program. This comes following the news that Julie Gardner would also return to the show, producing it through her own company, Bad Wolf Productions. The new run will also see the return of Jane Tranter, Controller of Drama Commissioning at the BBC from the early-mid 2000s, who also played a substantial role in reviving Doctor Who.

Doctor Who Jodie Whittaker season 14 Radical Change

This most certainly feels as if Davies is getting the band back together in reuniting so many figures who made the show a success in the 2000s. The move has led fans to speculate as to whether any other key behind-the-scenes figures could be returning, such as composer Murray Gold or directors like Euros Lyn or Graeme Harper. While these additions may give viewers some relief to know that the show is in safe hands, it may also pose a risk of it resting on familiar ground and not being as innovative of a reboot as previous showrunner changes have been.

While this may signal encouraging things from a creative perspective, it’s worth considering some unnerving production details about the early years of Davies’ first era that have recently come to light. Ninth Doctor actor, Christopher Eccleston, has said the main reason behind his decision to leave was due to how certain cast and crew members were treated during production of the first series. This run on the show also saw John Barrowman frequently expose himself to fellow cast and crew members for a joke and is the source of several claims of alleged harassment on the part of actor Noel Clarke. Davies has addressed these claims saying that, while he was never aware of Barrowman or Clarke’s behaviour, he was supportive of those who came forward. While fans are excited about the reunion of a beloved creative team, it may be reassuring if they were to detail what measures will be taking place on their second run on Doctor Who to make sure the mistakes of the past are not repeated.

Next: What Russell T Davies’ Recent Work Reveals About His Doctor Who Return

Source: Radio Times