Moffat replaces Russell T on Doctor Who

20 May, 2008 | By Katherine Rushton

Coupling creator Steven Moffat will replace Russell T Davies as lead writer and executive producer of Doctor Who, the BBC has confirmed.

Earlier this month, Moffat won the 2008 Bafta Writer Award for the Doctor Who episode Blink, and he is credited with penning some of the series' “most unforgettable and acclaimed” episodes.

He was also responsible for two-parter The Empty Child in series one and The Girl in the Fireplace in series two, which both won Hugo Awards.

For the current Doctor Who series, Moffat has written a two-parter called Silence in the Library which broadcasts on 31 May and 7 June.

“My entire career has been a secret plan to get this job," said Moffatt. "I applied before but I got knocked back because the BBC wanted someone else. Also I was seven.

“Anyway, I'm glad the BBC has finally seen the light, and it's a huge honour to be following Russell into the best - and the toughest - job in television. I say ‘toughest' because Russell's at my window right now, pointing and laughing."

Outgoing lead writer and executive producer Russell T Davies added: “I can't wait to see where his extraordinary imagination takes the Doctor. Best of all, I get to be a viewer again, watching on a Saturday night.”

Moffat's CV

Moffat's career began in 1989 with the landmark ITV children's drama Press Gang, for which he won his first Bafta. Coupling, the hugely popular and award winning sitcom that he created and wrote for BBC Two, began in 2000 and ran for four seasons. Jekyll, his six part thriller starring James Nesbitt and Michelle Ryan, transmitted on BBC One last year.

Steven will remain as a director on the board of Hartswood Films, which produced Coupling and Jekyll, where he is also working on new comedy Adam & Eve with wife Sue Vertue.

He has just delivered the screenplay for Tintin to Steven Spielberg who will direct it for DreamWorks. It is the first instalment of a trilogy of films featuring the iconic Belgian comic-strip hero. Thomas Sangster and Andy Serkis will star.

Tranter's reaction

BBC Fiction controller Jane Tranter paid tribute to Davies' “brilliant” 21st century relaunch of Doctor Who, but added that “the Tardis couldn't be in safer hands”.

"Steven's talents on both Doctor Who and beyond are well known. He is a writer of glittering brilliance, comedy and depth, with an extraordinary imagination and a unique voice. Steven has a wonderful mix of being a committed Doctor Who fan and a true artist, and his plans for the next series are totally thrilling."

The announcement follows the news that Piers Wenger will take over the role of executive producer from Julie Gardner on series five of Doctor Who.

Wenger said: "The challenge of taking Doctor Who to a new future is a huge and thrilling one and BBC Wales is blessed to have someone with Steven's extraordinary talent in charge. His imagination and creativity have already given birth to some of the series' most unforgettable monsters though in this instance no one need fear; time, space and the future of the Doctor are safe with him."

Wenger and Moffat are already working closely together on the planning of the series.

Series four & five

Series four has achieved some of the show's highest audience figures to date and forthcoming episodes feature a stellar line up of guests including Lesley Sharp, Lindsey Coulson, Alex Kingston, Colin Salmon and Michael Brandon.

Freema Agyeman and Billie Piper - The Doctor's two former companions - have also returned to assist The Doctor in series four.

Doctor Who will return in 2009 with four specials, and the full length fifth series is currently scheduled to be broadcast on BBC One in spring 2010.