‘Doctor Who’ has announced its writing and directing team for the upcoming 12th series.
The BBC’s hugely popular sci-fi classic is set to return in 2020 with Jodie Whittaker back as the titular Time Lord, and now the roster of behind-the-camera talent has been unveiled ahead of the new season.
‘The A List’ writer Nina Metivier, ‘Emmerdale’ scribe Maxine Alderton and ‘Cuttin’ It’ playwright Charlene James are set to make their ‘Who’ debuts, while Vinay Patel, Ed Hime and Pete McTighe will be back after penning series 11 episodes ‘Demons of the Punjab’, ‘It Takes You Away’ and ‘Kerblam!’ respectively.
They will be joined by a new squad at the helm, with directors Nida Manzoor (‘Lady Parts’), Emma Sullivan (‘Call The Midwife’), James Magnus Stone (‘Tripped’) and Lee Haven Jones (‘Vera’) set to take charge during the new season.
Showrunner Chris Chibnall said: "We’re thrilled that ‘Doctor Who’ continues to attract some of the most the most exciting and dynamic talent working in television.
"Along with our returning faces, we’re excited to welcome new members to the ‘Doctor Who’ family.
"The ‘Doctor Who’ team is crammed with British television’s brightest writers and directors.
"We’ve adored working with them, and can’t wait to show you the explosive stuff they’ve created!"
When Jodie returns to the TARDIS for her second run, she’ll be joined by co-stars Mandip Gill, Tosin Cole and Bradley Walsh as they reprise their respective roles as Yasmin Khan, Ryan Sinclair and Graham O’Brien.
Boss Chris previously confirmed the Doctor will face off against The Judoon in 2020.
The rhino-headed intergalactic police first made an appearance more than 12 years ago to terrorise the Tenth Doctor – played by David Tennant – and his companion Martha Jones (Freema Agyeman) in 2007’s ‘Smith and Jones’.
The showrunner said in a statement: "No! Sho! Blo! The Judoon are storming back into ‘Doctor Who’ in full force, and the streets of Gloucester aren’t safe. If anyone has anything to hide, confess now.
"The Judoon are taking no prisoners, and will stop at nothing to fulfil their mission! The whole team on ‘Doctor Who’ are delighted and scared in equal measure to welcome them back: one of many treats we’ve got in store for viewers next series."