Russell T Davies will take back over as showrunner of Doctor Who in 2022, the BBC has announced.
The 58-year-old was responsible for bringing back the much-loved show from the wilderness in 2005 and presided over its best-rated period, with David Tennant at the helm as The Doctor, before stepping down in 2010.
Recently it was confirmed that current showrunner and Doctor, Chris Chibnall and Jodie Whittaker respectively, will leave the show in Autumn 2022 after a new series and a handful of specials.
Davies will then reassume control of the reins for a brand new series with a brand new Doctor - and will also be responsible for marking the show's landmark 60th birthday in 2023.
"I'm beyond excited to be back on my favourite show," said Davies, who has recently enjoyed success with the Channel 4 drama It's A Sin.
"But we're time-travelling too fast, there's a whole series of Jodie Whittaker's brilliant Doctor for me to enjoy, with my friend and hero Chris Chibnall at the helm – I'm still a viewer for now."
Chibnall added: "It's monumentally exciting and fitting that Doctor Who's 60th anniversary will see one of Britain's screenwriting diamonds return home.
"Russell built the baton that is about to be handed back to him - Doctor Who, the BBC, the screen industry in Wales, and let's be honest everyone in the whole world, have so many reasons to be Very Excited Indeed about what lies ahead."
The BBC's head of drama Piers Wenger said: "As the 13th Doctor prepares to embark on new and extraordinary adventures, the winds of change are blowing... bringing with them news to delight Doctor Who fans across the globe.
"We are thrilled that Russell is returning to Doctor Who to build on the huge achievements of Chris and Jodie. Thank you to the two of them and the team in Cardiff for all they continue to do for the show and hello Russell, it's wonderful to have you back."
The news looks set to add further fuel to the rumours that Olly Alexander, who worked with Davies on It's A Sin, could succeed Whittaker as the new Doctor.
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