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Big change to Doctor Who has fans fuming as BBC look to attract US viewers

Fans blasted the Beeb for selling out the show’s homegrown UK fans in favour of American audiences

DOCTOR WHO fans have been left fuming after the BBC announced episodes will debut at MIDNIGHT on Fridays to cater for American viewers.

The beloved show has been moved to the graveyard slot because of a multi-million-pound deal with US streaming giant Disney+.

The Doctor (Ncuti Gatwa) and Ruby Sunday (Millie Gibson) during the Christmas Day episode
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The Doctor (Ncuti Gatwa) and Ruby Sunday (Millie Gibson) during the Christmas Day episodeCredit: PA

As a result it will broadcast to viewers in the States at the family-friendly time of 7pm - prompting fury from British viewers.

The BBC will then broadcast the new episodes again on the show’s traditional primetime Saturday evening slot, according to The Mail on Sunday.

Fans blasted the Beeb for selling out the show’s homegrown UK fans in favour of American audiences.

One fumed on X, formerly known as Twitter: “Absolutely furious that Doctor Who is getting released at midnight.

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“It should be on BBC One at its usual time slot first.

Another added: “Disney viewers in the US are getting the highest priority and will receive [the show] at an acceptable time and won’t have to avoid spoilers.”

A spokesman for the BBC declined to comment when approached by The Mail on Sunday.

The new way of scheduling the series will begin on May 10 when Disney+ airs two new episodes.

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