The BBC has unveiled the new Doctor Who logo - due to grace the nation's small screens when Matt Smith takes over as the latest incarnation of the Time Lord in 2010.

The Beeb explains that the revamped logo is the 11th to front the sci-fi series and the first overhaul since 2006.

Before Smith gets the keys to the Tardis as its 11th occupant, alongside new companion Amy Pond – played by Karen Gillan - David Tennant bows out with three specials later this year.

The first, The Waters of Mars, also features Lindsay Duncan, and promises "thrills as well as chills* when the Tardis touches down on the Red Planet".

The BBC earlier this year announced that Tennant's final exit will feature the return of John Simm as the Master and former 007 Timothy Dalton - a fact confirmed when a still of the three leaked onto the interwebs. ®

Bootnote

* Who fans may find the fact that Russell T Davies co-wrote the episode a chilling enough prospect.

Related stories

• Ralph Lauren DMCAs thin Photoshop skills (8 October 2009)
• Doctor Who fans name best episode ever (17 September 2009)
• Beeb names new Who companion (29 May 2009)
• Beeb names new Doctor Who (5 January 2009)