Steven Moffatt has returned to ‘Doctor Who’ to write an Alfred Hitchcock-style adventure for the Timelord.

Steven Moffatt has returned to ‘Doctor Who’ to write an Alfred Hitchcock-style adventure for the Timelord

Steven Moffatt has returned to ‘Doctor Who’ to write an Alfred Hitchcock-style adventure for the Timelord

The former showrunner, 62, who first wrote for the show when it was revived by Russell T Davies in 2005, has penned an episode for the new series due to air as part of Ncuti Gatwa’s first season as the Fifteenth Doctor.

Steven said about his return to the ‘Whoniverse’ after telling porkies to keep his involvement secret until the new run was announced: “Yes, okay, fair enough – apologies to everyone I’ve very slightly misled – I am in fact writing an episode of the series of ‘Doctor Who’.

“Exactly like I said I never would. What can I tell you?

“There was begging, there was pleading but finally Russell agreed to let me have another go – so long as I got out of his garden.

“Working with old friends and a brand new Doctor I couldn’t be happier.

“Sorry I was a bit reticent on the subject for so long. It was all part of an elaborate plan that would have delighted millions but at the last minute I forgot what it was.”

The new ‘Doctor Who’ shows will simultaneously premiere across BBC iPlayer in the UK and Disney+ in May.

Directing the Doctor’s new adventures is BAFTA, Emmy and Golden Globe nominee Julie-Anne Robinson.

She has previously directed blockbuster TV shows including ‘Bridgerton’, ‘Orange is the New Black’ and ‘Scandal’.

Julie said: “It was a tremendous honour to direct episodes of ‘Doctor Who’ for the BBC and Disney+.

“This beloved franchise is 60 years old and still going strong.

“It is part of our collective memory as Brits. I’ve always admired Russell T Davies and Ncuti Gatwa is an unbelievably talented actor who has stepped into the role of the Fifteenth Doctor effortlessly, alongside the equally talented Millie Gibson (who plays his sidekick Ruby Sunday.)

“Steven Moffatt gave me an intense challenge as a director. I asked him for a keyword to describe the overall tone of the episode he said: ‘Hitchcock’.

“I can’t wait to see what everyone thinks. I’m grateful to Bad Wolf, the BBC and Disney+. It was an incredible experience.”

After joining ‘Doctor Who’ in 2005, Steven led the show during the eras featuring Matt Smith and Peter Capaldi as the intergalactic Tardis traveller.

The BBC said about his comeback: “Steven is known for penning some of the most praised episodes in the shows history as well as creating one of the most terrifying and iconic monsters, the Weeping Angels.”

Outside of Doctor Who, Steven has been celebrated for co-writing and co-creating the multi-award winning series ‘Sherlock’.

The first two new episodes of the next ‘Doctor Who’ series will premiere at midnight on 11 May on BBC iPlayer, and then on BBC One later that day. Episodes will drop on BBC iPlayer followed by a primetime slot on BBC One each week following the first showing.

Outside the UK, ‘Doctor Who’ begins streaming on 10 May at 7pm on Disney+ where available, giving audiences a simultaneous global launch of the new season.

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