Jo Martin shares valuable advice for future of 'Doctor Who'

Jo Martin has said she believes Doctor Who bosses should be paying closer attention to the show’s fans when shaping its future direction.

The 57-year-old actor, who plays the Fugitive Doctor in the long-running BBC sci-fi series, said viewers of the show understand its universe and storytelling style deeply, and could offer valuable ideas for where it should go next.

Speaking before the BBC confirmed major changes to the franchise’s future, Martin told Radio Times that fans “know this genre so well” and may even have the best ideas for how the show should evolve. 

 "I think we should be talking to the fans more, because they know this genre so well," she told the news outlet.

She continued, "They may have the best ideas for its future... As I’ve said before, long may it reign. The stories are endless. The stories are never going to end.

Martin also spoke warmly about the long-term legacy of Doctor Who, saying the show has endured for decades and will continue to be passed down through generations. 

"Whovians, fans, and their children and their children's children will be watching this show, and hopefully seeing holograms of me when I'm gone!" she added.

The actor first appeared in Doctor Who during season 12 and later made a surprise return in season 15 episode The Story and the Engine. She is also set to reprise her role in an upcoming Big Finish audio or multi-platform project titled Circuit Breaker.

Her comments come as the BBC confirmed a significant restructuring of the series. The broadcaster  has said Doctor Who will be open for other companies to bid on so its future can be secured.

The announcement also confirmed that a previously planned Doctor Who Christmas special has been cancelled. The BBC said it worked with Russell T Davies and Bad Wolf to cancel the Christmas episode so they can focus on the show’s long-term future instead.