David Arthur Whitaker (18 April 1928 – 4 February 1980) was an English television writer and novelist who worked on the early years of the science-fiction TV series Doctor Who.

Prior to joining the BBC, Whitaker worked as a writer, actor and director with the York Repertory Group.

He died leaving his novelisation of The Enemy of the World unfinished[10] and his plans to adapt The Evil of the Daleks unrealised.

The adaptation of The Enemy of the World was ultimately written by Ian Marter without using any of the material prepared by Whitaker, while The Evil of the Daleks was eventually novelised by John Peel and published in 1993.

A documentary, Finding David, is included on Doctor Who: The Collection - Season 2 Blu-ray box set paired with The Crusade and hosted by Toby Hadoke.