Chris Chibnall says 'Doctor Who' is a "response to the world we live in".

Jodie Whittaker as Doctor Who

Jodie Whittaker as Doctor Who

The 48-year-old showrunner has explained that the long-running series strives to tackle issues that "affect people's lives" and includes several storylines that are responsive to the times we live in.

At a screening of the New Year's Day special 'Resolution', Chris said: "I think you want to be writing about the world that we live in - the show is not a standalone thing, it's a response to the times that we're living in, the world that we're in, and things that affect people's lives, particularly things that children and young adults are going through."

Jodie Whittaker stepped into the iconic lead role in 'Doctor Who' for her first series in the TARDIS this year - following on from Peter Capaldi's incarnation of the Time Lord, and the latest series has explored various social issues, including the origins of the Civil Rights movement in the episode 'Rosa'.

While fans are facing a long wait for Jodie's second season, the BBC's Director General added at the event that series 12 will hit the small screen "very early in 2020".

And it could give fans more of an insight into the character of Yaz - played by Mandip Gill - after a fan asked whether viewers would see more of her as a police officer.

The BBC previously announced that Jodie is set to be joined once again by Mandip, Bradley Walsh (Graham) and Tosin Cole (Ryan).

And the broadcaster heaped praise on the most recent series, which "averaged a four-screen consolidated audience of 8.4 million".

Charlotte Moore, director of content, added: "We're delighted that the Doctor and her friends will be returning to thrill audiences in 2020.

"I know Chris and the whole team are already working on a whole new set of exciting adventures. In the meantime we've got a very special episode on New Year's Day for everyone to enjoy."

Doctor Who's New Year's Day special airs on Tuesday 1st January at 7.00pm on BBC1.

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