Fans have been waiting for a new Torchwood series ever since Miracle Day concluded its 10-episode run in September 2011.

One of the most vocal supporters has been Captain Jack Harkness himself, actor John Barrowman, who has been lobbying for the return of Capt. Jack to the small screen for years. So, what’s stopping the show and the character from returning?

Recently, actor John Barrowman said in an interview that “certain egos” were in the way of a new Torchwood series. Speaking to Radio Times, here’s what Barrowman said:

“I was told that there are some obstacles to overcome, and every time I tried to talk about a way around them, it was almost like there was another obstacle. And this is a personal thing for me, this is not anything that was discussed, but I find it really a little disheartening that a company like the BBC can’t just say ‘Put your egos aside, we’re gonna go forward with this.’ I travel all over the world, and I see the popularity of Torchwood. But when it comes down that it’s not being done because of people’s egos, I find that really difficult. There’s a lot of politics involved, and the people that are close to it, I think would love to see it done, but there’s just certain egos in the path that are just standing in the way. That’s all I’ll say.”

The Arrow actor (he plays Malcolm Merlyn) even specifically called out current Doctor Who showrunner Steven Moffat during his panel at last month’s Wizard World Chicago Comic Con 2016, saying “As long as Steven Moffat is involved, Jack will not be back.” You can see Barrowman name names at around the 20 minutes mark in the video below.

Video of knp5sf0rluA

Well, now Steven Moffat (who will be handing the keys to the TARDIS to Torchwood writer and new Who showrunner Chris Chibnall at the conclusion of Season 10) has fired some of those Malcolm Merlyn arrows back at John Barrowman. Here's what the Sherlock creator said in a statement:

“You may be aware that John Barrowman has been saying, publicly, that I’ve been blocking a new series of Torchwood. To be very clear – I haven’t blocked it; I wouldn’t block it; I wouldn’t even be ABLE to block it. I didn’t even know a revival had been mooted till I read about it on the Internet. As John perfectly well knows, it’s not my show and I could no more prevent it happening that he could cancel Sherlock. I am bewildered, and a little cross, even to be included in this conversation. For the record, I really liked the show (especially the third series) and would be very happy to see more – monsters and mayhem, why not? But the fact is, it has nothing to do with me. Please pass this on to the anxious and the angry – I’ve had enough hate mail now.”

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(via Radio Times, Doctor Who TV)