Davies: 'Buffy', 'Angel' inspired 'Torchwood'

Russell T Davies has revealed that the idea for new Doctor Who spin-off Torchwood came to him before the classic science-fiction drama was revived.

Instead, Davies admits in an interview with Radio Times that the new BBC3 show's origins lie in cult shows from across the Atlantic:

"I first had the idea for the series while I was working on Casanova three or four years ago, before Doctor Who was even mentioned," said Davies. "I'd been watching shows like Buffy and Angel, and I'd said to [Torchwood executive producer] Julie Gardner - 'why don't we make a series like that?'"

Addressing the subject of children wishing to view the adult-orientated series, Davies said that parents "have to be honest with them... kids are so savvy about television; they know what a post-watershed programme is."