'Doctor Who' will run a reduced number of episodes for series 13, with filming now underway.
Doctor Who
Jodie Whittaker will be back for another run in the TARDIS travelling across space and time when the BBC's hugely popular sci-fi show returns for its 13th season, and work has started on the upcoming season with restrictions in place due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Showrunner Chris Chibnall said: "In this strangest of years, the 'Doctor Who' production team have worked wonders to get the show back into production. We’re thrilled to be back making the show.
"Given the complexity of making 'Doctor Who', and with new and rigorous Covid working protocols, it’s going to take us a little longer to film each episode, meaning we expect to end up with eight episodes, rather than the usual eleven.
"But rest assured, the ambition, humour, fun and scares you expect from 'Doctor Who' will all still be firmly in place.
"For everyone around the world, this is a challenging period - but the Doctor never shirks from a challenge!”
The team has teased "plenty of surprises" for the 13th season, with Jodie returning for her third series as the titular Time Lord.
Matt Strevens - executive producer at BBC Studios - added: "We are so thrilled to have unlocked the TARDIS, dusted down the sonic and be able to start filming again for the next series of 'Doctor Who'.
"The amazing production team, crew and cast have worked wonders to get us shooting again in these challenging times.
"It’s going to be as fun filled and action packed as ever - with plenty of surprises.”
Piers Wenger - controller at BBC Drama - said: “We are thrilled that filming series 13 of 'Doctor Who' is now underway. The team have gone to great lengths to safely bring the TARDIS back to BBC One.
"We are all looking forward to seeing what adventures are in store for the Doctor but whilst we await her return, we can all look forward to the festive special.”
The upcoming special - which is titled 'Revolution of the Daleks - will air over the festive period, and follows the dramatic series 12 finale with the Doctor locked in an eternal prison.
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