Exclusive: BBC discussing 'Who' scheduling

The head of BBC One has confirmed that the channel is considering changes to the scheduling of Doctor Who.

The sci-fi show, which stars Matt Smith and Karen Gillan, traditionally returns for a new run of 13 episodes at Easter. A sixth series has been commissioned for 2011, although rumours have suggested that it could be kept back to the Autumn.

Responding to the speculation, Jay Hunt told Digital Spy: "We're talking about what form Doctor Who will take. I think the interesting thing with having Steven [Moffat] running that show now is it will be very much a creative decision. He will decide what he thinks is right for the show."

Of the show's recent overhaul, she added: "It's one of the most terrifying things about being a BBC One controller - to be in charge of a regeneration and to cast the new Doctor Who. It's one of the most exciting things you can do in a job.

"For Matt and Karen to have landed as successfully as they have in the audience's mind, to be as popular and to be as instantly associated with the roles is wonderful. The telling point for me was that first episode when Matt put the fishfinger into the custard and from that moment on I completely believed in him."

Doctor Who will return to BBC One for a special episode this Christmas.