BBC hits back at axe rumours of long-running show with new spin-off announcement

THE BBC appears to have put rumours of Doctor Who’s axing to bed – by ordering a big budget spin-off.

The War Between The Land And The Sea was officially announced by the BBC and Disney at San Diego Comic Con this weekend.

Alamy

Gugu Mbatha-Raw will star in the new big budget Doctor Who spin-off series[/caption]

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BBC

The announcement should put an end to rumours that Doctor Who is facing the axe[/caption]

A five part series, it will star Russell Tovey and Gugu Mbatha-Raw while Doctor Who actors Jemma Redgrave and Alexander Devrient will reprise their roles from the main show in the spin-off.

There had been reports that lower ratings on the BBC had meant the main show’s new team-up with Disney Plus was at risk.

However the corporations have jointly announced the new series, cementing the partnership – and putting fans’ minds at rest.

The series is created by Doctor Who Showrunner and Executive Producer Russell T Davies, who has written the series with Pete McTighe.

Both leads Russell Tovey and Gugu Mbatha-Raw have previously starred in Doctor Who – and it’s not yet known if they will reprise their previous characters or play new ones.

Russell played Midshipman Alonso Frame in the 2007 Christmas special alongside Kylie Minogue, while Gugu played Martha Jones’ sister Tish.

The series will also see the return of UNIT alumni Jemma Redgrave who will reprise her role as Kate Lethbridge-Stewart and Alexander Devrient as Colonel Ibrahim.

The BBC and Disney teased the show with the logline: “When a fearsome and ancient species emerges from the ocean, dramatically revealing themselves to humanity, an international crisis is triggered. 

“With the entire population at risk, UNIT step into action as the land and sea wage war…”

Russell T Davies, Showrunner, Writer and Executive Producer said: “I’m so lucky to work with such a magnificent cast. 

“And this is a huge, muscular, thrilling drama which will shake The Whoniverse to its foundations. 

“When the Doctor’s not in town, the whole of humanity is in trouble.” 

Lindsay Salt, Director of Drama, BBC added: “The War Between The Land and The Sea is another utterly unique and gripping drama from Russell T Davies and we’re delighted to welcome the show to The Whoniverse! 

“Featuring a stellar cast, with Russell Tovey and Gugu Mbatha-Raw taking on leading roles, this brand new epic mini series will leave audiences on the edge of their seats as they watch UNIT take on one of their biggest battles to save humanity.”

Filming is set to begin next month. 

Doctor Who will return at Christmas with Ncuti Gatwa in the title role while Bridgerton and Derry Girls star Nicola Coughlan will join the cast for the special.

The second series of the new show will return next year having already completed production.

BBC

Jemma Redgrave will reprise her role as Kate Lethbridge Stewart in the new spin-off[/caption]