Sad to hear Moffat is finishing up with DW, but glad he will have more time for Sherlock (I wonder if he has any other projects besides?).

But no new Doctor Who until Christmas!? Oh well, gives me time to catch up

Oh wow, this is quite unexpected - but I have to admit that I'm really, really looking forward to Chris Chibnall as showrunner. Can't wait to see what his version of DW will look like.

He's survived what? 5 years of show running DW. He's created an acclaimed international success in Sherlock. He probably has a gazillion other ideas of stuff he wants to do. Looking forward to see where he goes with DW in 2017, and Sherlock obvs.

There are people who are going to be happy about this, even if it's not everybody.  There are a lot of people who are not happy with what he's done with the show, and while I haven't seen all of Doctor Who series 8 and the rest up to now, I have heard it hasn't been as good lately.  Maybe Steven is fatigued and it's time for fresh eyes, fresh ideas.

But I have to say, I'm glad this was just about him leaving Doctor Who.  When I first saw the title, I panicked and though he was going to stop writing Sherlock, too. AHH! Luckily, that's not the case.

I'd heard the rumours, so not entirely a surprise.  The big shock for me is that there won't be a 2016 series!  

And I'm also shocked that people are saying that it's not as good now, Yitzock!  I honestly think this latest run has been fantastic, and includes my favourite episode of all time (of the ones I've seen of course, which is a good bit of the original, and almost all of the reboot).   I do have a couple of gripes about what Steven has done with the show, but I don't understand why people are saying the recent episodes aren't as good.   I suppose it's just a matter of taste.   I love Peter Capaldi, so that maybe influences me a little too ... but I'd still say the recent series was better than last one (that he was in too).  

Anyway, I'll be interested to see what it's like with Chris Chibnall.  Maybe Steven might still be able to write the occasional episode? 

And yes, I've heard the rumours about Peter Capaldi leaving too.  It's sad to think that we might already have seen most of his episodes. 

I am not quite sure how to feel about that. Steven has written many of my favourite episodes on DW, but after Donna I never quite connected to any of the companions anymore (though Amy, Rory and River still had their moments). But I can understand that at some point it is time to move on. From what you hear from people who have left the show, being a major part of doctor who can be gruelling, if great fun. Virtually no time for other projects (tough I do not think that Steven’s time is the limiting factor on Sherlock), and apparently at the end of a season, everyone is ready to just fall apart. Plus that Steven also has to handle all the hatred that is constantly flung at him. As chances are that Capaldi will be leaving together with him, I hope we will see a grand finale à la the Davies/Tennant send-off. Tennant will always be my Doctor, but Capaldi comes second for me and I cannot imagine what Steven will come up with as a proper send-off if he knows it will be his swansong, too (I loved Smith’s last monologue). Let’s just hope that he will pop back every now and than with another masterpiece as guest writer. 

He's not actually giving up the helm until Spring 2017...

I don't really think it is DW duties that hold back Steven from Sherlock.
I think it's Benedict and Martin's schedules.

I know it's Martin and Ben's schedules keeping them from filming... but it will give him more time to write Sherlock,get even more clever now he won't have to work on DW also. That's what I meant. 

And Little Weed I do see what you're saying, especially with the latest series that's been true...