Second 'Doctor Who' series commissioned

The BBC has commissioned a second series of the new incarnation of Doctor Who following a warm reception to the series debut on Saturday.

The new series, starring Christopher Eccleston as the Time Lord, reached viewing figures of up to 10 million on Saturday, prompting the BBC to confirm a second series of thirteen episodes and a Christmas special.

The BBC quote writer Russell T Davies as saying: "It's fantastic news. It's been a tense and jittery time because the production team has been working on plans.

"We could all have ended up unemployed. But now we can put all those plans into action and get going.

"It's particularly good for BBC Wales. This is a major flagship show for the region, and their staff and crews are the best you could find. It's a tribute to them that Doctor Who is returning."

Head of drama commissioning for the corporation, Jane Tranter, told The Guardian: "In all honesty I had got myself into a proverbial steel jacket as far as Doctor Who was concerned. I told myself I'd be completely and utterly thrilled if it got 6.5 million, but there was a little voice inside whispering '4.5 million'."