Bestselling author Juno Dawson has joinedDoctor Who’s writer’s room, and I couldn’t be more excited about what it means for Ncuti Gatwa’s next season. Excitement is building forDoctor Whoseason 15, which will see Fifteenth Doctor Ncuti Gatwa joined by newcomer Varada Sethu as Belinda Chandra. The world’s longest-running science-fiction TV show will return in May this year, on the BBC in the U.K. and streaming on Disney+ internationally.
The BBC recently revealed thatDoctor Whoseason 15 will feature a wider range of writers;Juno Dawson, Pete McTighe, Inua Ellams, and Sharma Angel-Walfall are all joining the writer’s room. McTighe’s name will be familiar to many Whovians, because he penned the Jodie Whittaker era storyKerblam!and has worked with current showrunner Russell T. Davies on the intriguing spinoffThe War Between the Land and the Sea. But for me, the most exciting name on this list is surely Juno Dawson.
Juno Dawson’s Experience Makes Her The Perfect Doctor Who Writer
I first came across Juno Dawson throughDoctor Who: Redacted, a fantastic podcast/audio-drama released on BBC Sounds back in 2022. The concept there was a fascinating one; history was being rewritten, with the Doctor gradually being redacted from human history. The point-of-view characters were a group of podcasters who got caught up in it all, and who ultimately met Whittaker’s Thirteenth Doctor as they investigated.
Dawson understood one vital aspect of modernDoctor Who: thatthe main characters need to be human, the lens through which we understand and interpret the Doctor.Meanwhile, the narrative struck a pitch-perfect balance between fresh adventure and a strong sense of nostalgia, with continuity deployed in a smart way to add depth without feeling intrusive. There was a strong edge of social awareness, skillfully done, makingDoctor Who: Redacteda true joy to listen to. She’ll surely demonstrate those same talents again inDoctor Whoseason 15.
I enjoyed Dawson’s writing, and - after following her on Twitter (now rechristened X) - I couldn’t resist picking up her books. It’s been a long time since I could be classed as a young-adult, but I’ve always found the genre to be refreshingly imaginative, and Dawson’s books are perfect examples.She’s a skilled narrator and world-builder, truly earning the awards and accolades she has received.The Good Doctor, aDoctor Whonovel, was excellent. Her addition to season 15’s writer’s room is delightful news.
Human Rites (2025)
Doctor Who Season 15 Is In Good Hands With Dawson’s Involvement
I’ve been a lifelongDoctor Whofan, but I did feel season 14 stumbled a little. For me, part of the problem was that too many episodes were written by the same person; Russell T. Davies, an excellent writer who nevertheless has a distinct style and whose flaws became too visible through over-exposure over the course of the season. The expanded writer’s room forDoctor Whois great news, setting aside some of my concerns and suggesting this season may well be a significant improvement. Even better, the involvement of writers of Juno Dawson’s caliber is a reason to celebrate.
