The BBC may repeat Dr Who programmes until a new series returns next year.
This was hinted by Mr Bill Cotton, Managing Director, BBC Television, after the corporation was bombarded with complaints from fans when they learned their hero was to be suspended in time for 18 months.
He said: "We are very sorry that it has been necessary to postpone the next series of Dr Who, but the BBC have to live within their income.
OPTIONS
"After considering a number of production options, he decided we could not maintain every project.
"We can understand that Dr Who fans will be disappointed by this postponement, and it may well be that the BBC will be able to repeat Dr Who programmes until a new series returns next year."
The much-travelled Doctor and his faithful Tardis will not rematerialise until late next year, when the present series ends next month.
Mr Michael Grade, the new controller of BBC-1, ordered the move.
LETTERS
It will be the longest break in the 22-year history of the series, which is seen by 110 million viewers in 54 countries.
British fans are already threatening to "do a Dallas" and start a big campaign to force Mr Grade to back down for a second time.
Members of the Dr Who Appreciation Society have begun firing off protest letters to the BBC.
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