I think Neil Gaiman’s Who story has been a runaway success. I’ve seen (And joined in with) calls for him to be a regular writer. I certainly think he needs to be commissioned again. He can spin a magical yarn.

This got me thinking. So far, Doctor Who has been written by a team of regulars, plus some guests. You’ll recognise most of the names from other BBC dramas and comedies, but I feel that now is the time to expand the writers beyond that small enclave. Gaiman has shown what can be done when you refresh the blood. Doctor Who is, when it’s at its best, and anthology series. Each story is different; one may be heavily science fiction, another may be a murder mystery - you may even get a love story thrown in for good measure. At the heart of it is this eccentric man in a Police Box.

I am reminded that Star Trek relied on luminaries from the world of science fiction writing, with D C Fontana making regular writing appearances. She even ended up on Babylon 5, contributing to the biggest money black hole Hollywood has ever seen. Also, with the BBC now actively pushing Who stateside, it’s well worth remembering that writers need to be well known outside of BBC TV Centre.

So, who else could pen an episode? It’s worth posting who you’d like to see wring a story - jot down an author or playwright of your choosing. Let’s see who we’d like to take The Doctor on a wild ride.

I’ll strat the ball rolling with a couple.

1 - William Gibson - writer of Neuromancer amongst many. Coined the word “cyberspace” - possibly well positioned to write a techno-fable that will bewilder and delight.

2 - I’ll nominate D C Fontana too. She’s a Trek writing veteran, and has penned some of the more interesting stories, so gets a call here. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D._C._Fontana

I'd agree in principle, but Gibson doesn't really write sci-fi any more. Most of his recent work has been pretty contemporary. Not that you can't set a Dr Who story in the current world obviously.

I'd also suggest Ian Banks (probably need to put the 'M' in there) - fantastic writer and British to boot. I think he would probably understand the spirit of Who better than an American writer would and some of his 'dialogue' is very much in the current Who style.

Plus possibly William Nicholson - great playwright and author, has worked with the BBC before, written both adult works and children's fiction and has experience of both TV and cinema production. Has never done any scifi but his books tend to be very multi-threaded and inventive, so I think he could manage it if asked.

Jon