Doctor Who was slammed as ‘garbage’ by a former BBC One boss who postponed the show (Picture: BBC)

Ex-BBC One controller Michael Grade has opened up about his decision to postpone Doctor Who in 1985, and slammed the show as ‘science fiction garbage’.

Grade first took the job in 1984, and less than a year later he had binned one of the channel’s most iconic shows and spent its budget elsewhere.

Speaking to the Evening Standard, the former boss stood by his decision to axe the long-running Saturday night staple.

Former BBC One controller Michael Grade slammed Doctor Who, which he axed in 1985 (Picture: Getty)

‘I hated Doctor Who,’ he said. ‘I said to the producer, “Have you ever seen Star Wars or ET?” He said yes. I said “well I’ve got news for you, so have our audience.” What we were serving up as science fiction was garbage.’




Despite Grade’s decision, the show returned 18 months later, albeit without Sixth Doctor Colin Baker.

Doctor Who was eventually axed for good in 1989 due to falling viewing figures, but made a triumphant return to TV in 2005 heralded by writer Russell T. Davies and stars Christopher Eccleston and Billie Piper.

Jodie Whittaker will return as the Doctor next year (Picture: BBC)

It would scale new heights of critical and commercial success with the introduction of David Tennant as the Tenth Doctor, before he was replaced by Matt Smith and then Peter Capaldi respectively.

The show is now preparing to launch its 12th series next year, the second with the first female Doctor Jodie Whittaker at the helm.

Series one to 11 of Doctor Who are now available to stream on BBC iPlayer.

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