The classic sci-fi series Dr Who is set to make a return to the BBC, it has emerged. The time-travelling hero will be material-sing on to a television - but not for another two years.
The show's creators have said the series in the early stages of development and details of who will play the Time Lord will not be available for some time.
The new series will be written by Russell T Davies, creator of the Channel 4 drama Queer As Folk and the acclaimed ITV drama Second Coming.
The television writer, describing his love of the programme said: "I grew up watching Dr Who and hiding behind the sofa like so many others.
"Dr Who is one of the BBC's most exciting and original character. He's had a rest and now it's time to bring him back.
"The new series will be fun, exciting, contemporary and scary.
"Although only in the early stages of development I'm aiming to write a full blooded drama which embraces the Dr Who heritage at the same time as introducing the character to a modern audience."
Doctor Who is the world's longest running science-fiction series and was screened from 1983 to 1989 with several actors playing the role over the decades. including William Hartnell. Patrick Troughton. Jon Pert wee and Tom Baker.
Across television and film it chronicled the adventures of eight Doctors throughout tune and space. In 2001 Sylvester McCoy reprised his role as the seventh Dr Who in an audio drama broadcast on the internet.
Mal Young, the BBC's controller of continuing drama series and co-producer of the new show, said. 'Dr Who is a much-loved truly iconic piece of television history.
"It's time to crank up the Tardis and find out what lies in store for the Doctor."
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