The tenth series of ‘Doctor Who’ has been delayed until spring 2017.
While last year was eventful for the titular Time Lord – with the exit of his companion Clara Oswald, played by Jenna Coleman – the next 12 months will see a break for fans of the BBC sci-fi drama.
What’s more, showrunner Steven Moffat has quit and will be replaced by ‘Broadchurch’ creator Chris Chibnall.
Steven’s final 12-part series will air in spring 2017 at which point he will hand over the keys to the Tardis to Chris.
Speaking of his decision to quit, Steven said his role in the series was "the best job in the universe" but added: "Feels odd to be talking about leaving when I’m just starting work on the scripts for season 10, but the fact is my timey-wimey is running out. While Chris is doing his last run of Broadchurch, I’ll be finishing up on the best job in the universe and keeping the TARDIS warm for him. It took a lot of gin and tonic to talk him into this, but I am beyond delighted that one of the true stars of British Television drama will be taking the Time Lord even further into the future. At the start of season 11, Chris Chibnall will become the new showrunner of Doctor Who. And I will be thrown in a skip."
Show bosses considered airing six episodes this year and continuing the series in 2017 however the idea was scrapped.
But new showrunner Chris said Steven is set to go out with a "big bang" and it was revealed last month that he wants to bring back a number of monsters from the classic series, including the Sea Devils back to ‘Doctor Who’.
Chris said: "Steven has been a dazzling and daring showrunner, and hearing his plans for 2017 it’s clear he’ll be going out with a band. Just to make my life difficult.
Meanwhile, it is expected there will still be a Christmas special in 2016.
Doctor Who series delayed until spring 2017
