Steven Moffat Says He’s Done With River Song

Steven Moffat say there will be no more River Song during his tenure, so let’s all be ready to have no Alex Kingston in Doctor Who series 10.

The cast of Doctor Who season 10 promises to be crowded with regulars, with two full time companions, one of whom we haven’t met yet, and Michelle Gomez advertising that her character of Missy will also be back to torment everyone and cause havoc.

But one character who will not be heading back to our screens in season 10 to drive the Doctor and his fellow traveler up and down the wall is Moffat’s hallmark since he was just a writer during the Davies era: River Song.

According to Den Of Geek, in the latest issue of Doctor Who Magazine, Moffat was asked if there was a possibility of Song’s return to see the Doctor one last time, completely out of order.

"“There’s always the chance that River will show up again, at some other point in her timeline, with a stolen camel, seven more husbands, and a nuclear submarine.”"

But if he does come back, it won’t be under his tenure.

"“Back when I thought I might be leaving at the end of 2015, I specifically planned the Darillium scene as my goodbye – bringing everything full circle, to the moment (in Forest of the Dead) just before I took over.”"

But Moffat hopes that his character is picked up and run with by the next showrunner…and of course that she continues to be a feature of the radio plays and audio dramas.

"“Big Finish isn’t done with her, I believe, and any reason to get Alex Kingston back in action is a good one.”"

The fact is though, Song was very much Moffat’s creation, and is specifically tied to his mindset and his version of the Doctor, at least on the small screen. The chances that Chibnall will bring her back are slim to none. Perhaps it’s for the best we leave her be, a fading memory of Christmases past.

Next: Don’t Get Your Hopes Up About Big Changes on Doctor Who

Would you like to see River Song come back after Moffat leaves? Sound off in the comments.