BBC confirms Doctor Who series five

Not until 2010, though, and David Tennant doubtful

By Lester Haines • Get more from this author

Posted in Entertainment, 3rd September 2007 16:24 GMT

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The BBC has announced there will be a fifth series of Doctor Who, although it won't be until 2010 and David Tennant is doubtful to reprise his role as the Time Lord.

Tennant is off to play Hamlet with the Royal Shakespeare Company from July to November next year, thereby effectively putting the kybosh on a 2009 outing. Series four will hit the small screen in Spring 2008 followed by a Xmas special. This year's yule extravaganza - Voyage of the Damned - features popstress Kylie Minogue as a Titanic waitress.

David Tennant will, however, put in an appearance in 2009 with three specials, according to the Beeb.

The corporation's Controller of Fiction, Jane Tranter, enthused: "Doctor Who is one of the BBC's best loved and most successful dramas. Its journey over the past three series has been one of the most ambitious and exciting that we have had, and I'm delighted to be able to confirm not only three exciting specials for 2009, but a fifth series in 2010. "

BBC Wales Controller Menna Richards chipped in with: "The success of Doctor Who is a fantastic tribute to the dedication and expertise of the production team at BBC Wales who have worked on the project from the outset. This announcement is marvellous news for all involved, and more importantly for the programme's amazing fan base and audience. BBC Wales is looking forward to producing the fifth series."

The news that Tennant may be off to pastures new will doubtless provoke a speculationfest among fans as to who might take up the time-travelling baton. We'd like to use this opportunity to vote for Hugh Laurie, as suggested a while back by one Reg reader, with Sophia Myles as his companion. ®

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