Doctor Who to return for eighth series

The BBC have confirmed the science fiction drama will return for an eighth series in 2014 as ratings for the series seven finale prove the show is still a big draw for BBC One.

The corporation confirmed the series, which was revived in 2005 after an absence of sixteen years, will return on their official Doctor Who website.

The news came after the final episode of series seven aired, The Name of the Doctor.

“We’re delighted to confirm a new series of Doctor Who has been commissioned and the show’s lead writer and executive producer, Steven Moffat, has revealed he’s already plotting a brand new run of adventures for the Doctor.” – BBC

Of course there is still much to come in 2013 with the show celebrating its 50th anniversary with television treats and a host of merchandising.

“Your calendars should already have a big red circle around the 23rd of November because that’s when the TARDIS returns in the frankly Earth-shattering adventure that celebrates half a century of Doctor Who. This 3D special stars Matt Smith and Jenna Coleman with David Tennant and John Hurt, seen briefly at the end of The Name of the Doctor. Billie Piper returns alongside Jemma Redgrave, Joanna Page… and the Zygons!” – BBC

There will also be a drama about the creation of Doctor Who itself with An Adventure in Space and Time. Written by Mark Gatiss it charts the programme from its origins into a worldwide cult.

“And given that this year’s Christmas Special will be rounding off such a spectacular year we’re sure it will kick off the Doctor’s next half century in style.” – BBC

The site also notes that there are other “big plans” not yet announced which will “truly celebrate the Doctor’s half-centenary.”

Overnight figures for the series seven finale note that 5.46 million tuned into BBC One. This figure will no doubt rise when additional viewing methods are added.

“Doctor Who often see’s its final ratings rise by over 2 million viewers compared to its overnight figures; taking it up from over 5 million viewers to nearer 8 million. These figures do not include downloads via the BBC iPlayer service which often has over 1 million requests per episode for Doctor Who.” – Dominic Knight, ATV Today’s cult editor.