Russell T Davies Slams BBC AI Doctor Who Comments

Russell T Davies has criticised the BBC’s new director general, Matt Brittin, over comments he made about an AI-generated Doctor Who episode, calling them 'clumsy' and damaging to creative staff ^[1]. Brittin, who previously worked at Google, told a Royal Television Society conference he’d received a 'pretty good' 50-minute unofficial episode, sparking backlash. Davies, speaking on BBC Radio 4’s The Media Show, said such remarks risk demoralising writers and artists who rely on their craft.

Brittin later clarified he was highlighting the 'pace of change' and stressed he believes in 'human creativity, enhanced by whatever tools', insisting humans will always lead BBC content ^[1]. Still, Davies said the director general, new to television, may not fully grasp the industry’s sensitivities, adding his inbox 'pinged' with reactions.

The veteran writer, known for Queer as Folk, It’s a Sin, and both revivals of Doctor Who, said he finds it 'shocking' that some writers use AI for first drafts, questioning their purpose ^[1]. He does not use AI himself but fears it could displace writers, possibly already doing so in some cases.

Despite the controversy, Davies confirmed a new Doctor Who series is coming, with a brand-new Doctor and companion, set to begin production in summer 2027, though he will not be involved ^[1]. He also revealed he records This Morning phone-ins for inspiration, citing a recent tale of a mother-in-law insisting on white at a wedding as a potential script idea.

Davies, who began his career at the BBC at 22 for £50 a day, praised the early training and the golden age of Granada Television, when Coronation Street drew 18–20 million viewers ^[1]. His memoir, The Queerest of Folk: A Life in Television, was recently released.