LONDON — More than 8 million viewers tuned in to watch the second - season finale of "Doctor Who," which saw the eponymous Timelord's sidekick Rose Tyler separated from the Doctor — apparently forever.
The final episode of the sci-fi drama saw an average of 7.7 million viewers, a 43% share, tune in to watch an epic battle between the Daleks and the Cybermen that saw Tyler trapped in a parallel reality.
The audience peaked at 8.3 million in what is expected to be actress Billie Piper's last outing as the time-traveling Doctor's assistant. Next season, she will be replaced by newcomer Freema Agyeman, who will play Martha Jones, the BBC said last week.
Media speculation here, however, has tipped Piper tier a final curtain call in this year's "Doctor Who" Christmas special, due to air Christmas day.
Meanwhile, the BBC is looking at revamping other cult sci-fi dramas following the success of "Doctor Who" in the U.K. and overseas.
The pubcaster is understood to be in talks with the estate of the Daleks' creator Terry Nation about possible remakes of "Survivors" and "Blake's Seven." The pubcaster also is considering a "Doctor Who" spinoff; "Torchwood," based on the extra terrestrial research center in the current series.
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