DOCTOR WHO RETURNS TO PRODUCTION AS SERIES LENGTH IS CUT

Showrunner Chris Chibnall confirmed the show has returned to production, and the new series is expected to be eight episodes long - rather than the usual 10.

Chibnall told The Mirror: "In this strangest of years, the Doctor Who production team have worked wonders to get the show back into production. Given the complexity of making Doctor Who, and with new and rigorous Covid working protocols, it’s going to take us a little longer to film each episode, meaning we expect to end up with eight episodes, rather than the usual eleven...

"But rest assured, the ambition, humour, fun and scares you expect from Doctor Who will all still be firmly in place. For everyone around the world, this is a challenging period — but the Doctor never shirks from a challenge."

Executive producer Matt Strevens said he was delighted to be back at work. "We are so thrilled to have unlocked the TARDIS, dusted down the sonic and be able to start filming again for the next series of Doctor Who. The amazing production team, crew and cast have worked wonders to get us shooting again in these challenging times.  It’s going to be as fun filled and action packed as ever - with plenty of surprises."

The new series is expected to air in Autumn 2021. Before then, a festive special will air on BBC One this Christmas/ New Year.