'Doctor Who' tackles Pompeii for new series

The upcoming season of Doctor Who will feature the Time Lord and companion Donna travelling to Pompeii in AD 79.

They will arrive on the eve of the famous volcanic eruption of Mount Vesuvius to be confronted with the dilemma of whether to warn the inhabitants of the region to run for their lives in advance of the catastrophe.

"Arriving in Pompeii marks the start of another exciting adventure," said executive producer Russell T Davies. "Donna is stunned to find herself in the midst of history's most famous volcanic eruption. Viewers can expect many more ambitious storylines and a whole host of guest stars in 2008."

Filming on the episode was recently completed at the Cinecitta studios in Rome, which was reported to have been hit by fire while preparations were being made for the shoot.

Peter Capaldi from The Thick Of It and Quadrophenia star Phil Davis will be starring alongside David Tennant and Catherine Tate in the historical fourth season episode.