DR WHO'S mechanical mongrel K9 — scourge of the Daleks — is destined for the scrap heap.
The heroic hound has become a great favorite with children and adults since he was collared by Dr Who three years ago.
But now the canine computer has been axed from key episodes in the next series, and the BBC is believed to have put the bite on for good.
New Dr Who producer John Nathan-Turner has already made changes in the zany time travel show. Dr Who's dishy assistant Lalla Ward is being exterminated, and teenage unknown Matthew Waterhouse is joining the cast as the doctor's male assistant.
Mr Nathan-Turner said: 'It is true that K9 will be rested from some episodes, hut the scripts for the final program have yet to be written.
New boy Matthew, 17, who will play a mischievous alien called Adrid, said: "If K9 is dropped I shall miss him.
"He is a great little character."
All is not quite lost for the super pooch with an IQ of 300.
The London Sun newspaper has launched a campaign to save K9 from the beastly Beeb.
Thousands of readers have already written protest letters to the newspaper in a bid to help the superdog who has seen off the Cybermen and Ice Warriors win his toughest battle.
A spokesman for the Sun said yesterday: "K9 is loved by millions of viewers in Britain and Australia.
"We are determined to prevent him ending up in the knacker's yard."
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