Stars and writers of Doctor Who pay tribute to Steven Moffat
This year’s Doctor Who Christmas special marks the end of Twelfth Doctor Peter Capaldi’s reign in the Tardis – but it’s also the end for someone who in many ways has had an even more significant role in the show’s history.
Longtime showrunner and head writer Steven Moffat, who took over the series in 2010 and shepherded it through seven years as well as the landmark 50th anniversary episode in 2013, is stepping down.
Moffat has written more episodes of Doctor Who than any other person, but now, it’s time for him to leave and let new boss Chris Chibnall fill his bigger-on-the-inside shoes.
To mark Moffat’s departure, over the last year or so RadioTimes.com has asked some of the key figures in Moffat’s Doctor Who tenure how they think his legacy will stand up in the years to come.
Peter Capaldi – Doctor Who lead, 2014-2017
“I think Steven will be remembered as probably one of Doctor Who’s greatest writers, because he has such an imaginative take on it which is also popular and emotional,” Capaldi, who makes his last appearance in Christmas Day episode Twice Upon a Time, told us.
“He’s able to create stories that are both deeply emotional and very dramatic and exciting – and he loves monsters. It’s a tricky combination, but one I think he pulls off brilliantly.”
Karen Gillan – Doctor Who companion Amy Pond, 2010-2013
“Steven will be remembered as the greatest Doctor Who writer that ever existed,” Gillan, who was one of the first people Moffat cast alongside Matt Smith for his first Doctor Who series, told RadioTimes.com. “100 per cent, he’s the best.”
She added: “I shouldn’t speak for him, but I think he can’t wait to be a fanboy again.”
Russell T Davies – Doctor Who showrunner, 2005-2010
“Oh, good lord, there’s no doubt about it – he’s been magnificent,” Davies, who handed the reins of Doctor Who over to Moffat seven years ago, said when we asked him about his successor’s legacy.
“I can’t wait for that last episode; I think he’s bound to let rip, don’t you? I think he’ll be as cheeky as all hell, and go a bit mad. He’s wild and dangerous and hilarious at the best of times, and I think if there ever were any stabilisers on that bike, they’re gone now! I really can’t wait for it.”
Pearl Mackie – Doctor Who companion Bill Potts, 2017
“Well, I think Steven is incredible,” Mackie, who departs alongside Moffat and Capaldi this Christmas, told us. “He’s such a talented man, I don’t know where he comes up with all the ideas that he comes up with.
“I feel like he might have some very dark dreams! He’s brilliant, and his writing is fantastic.
“Without him, Bill wouldn’t have been created. He’s created some of the most-watched episodes of Doctor Who ever, and some of the most terrifying monsters have been thought up in his mind.
“I think that’ll be how he’s remembered – a wonderful showrunner and creator of the Weeping Angels.”
“He’s done six seasons of Doctor Who, and that’s no mean feat,” she concluded. “To keep it fresh and keep it interesting, to keep people involved and engaged – I think that’s a fantastic talent, and I hope that’s what people will remember at the end of his tenure.”
Michelle Gomez – Doctor Who villain Missy, 2014-2017
“With Steven Moffat, you never know what’s going to happen next,” Gomez, who played a gender-swapped version of classic Who foe the Master, told RadioTimes.com.
“Even when you’ve been in the show, like I have been for three years, there’s no time to ever get too comfortable or rest on your laurels, because there’s always going to be something. He always pulls the rug from under your feet.
“I’ll miss somebody like Steven Moffat writing me the best lines I’ve ever had in my career,” she concluded.
Mark Gatiss – series writer and actor, 2005-2017
“But it’s a triumph,” he adds. “I said to him when it was all over, ‘Do you know you’ve actually managed to please everyone? That’s almost inconceivable.’”
He added that despite facing critics during his tenure, Moffat’s legacy is assured.
“I did say, ‘Don’t worry, because soon you will enter sainthood – because you’ll stop.’ As soon as you stop, as soon as it’s the past, you’re fine.
“Then it will be ‘Bring Back Moffat’. Of course it will. ‘Death to Chibnall’. That’s how it goes, isn’t it?
“He hasn’t written anything except Doctor Who and Sherlock for seven years or more. And he just wants to do something different. I think obviously he’ll be judged to be one of the greats for this show.”