Mark Gatiss And Steven Moffat Join Russell T Davies To Write Doctor Who Series

Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat are to join the writing team led by Russell T Davies on the new series of Doctor Who, it was announced by Mal Young, BBC Controller of Continuing Drama Series.

"I've never received so many requests from writers and actors to be involved in a drama series, as I have had for Doctor Who.

"It seems everyone wants to be a part of bringing back to BBC ONE such an iconic series," says Mal Young.

"We only wanted to bring back Doctor Who if we could have the best talent around.

"Russell T Davies was always everyone's first choice, but now we're thrilled that Julie Gardner has been able to assemble a truly stellar team of writing talent to support Russell and enable us to keep the high standard of writing required, right across the series."

Julie Gardner, Head of Drama, BBC Wales adds: "Finding writers for the new series of Doctor Who has been one of the best jobs I've ever had. The talent available was exceptional.

"The team, led by Russell, is passionate about bringing the Doctor back to our screens.

"For many months to come we'll all be burning the midnight oil to make the new series the best it can be."

Other writers involved in the project include Paul Cornell and Rob Shearman.

The 13-part series for BBC ONE will begin filming this Spring for transmission in 2005.

Russell T Davies says: "I really believe we've got the best people in the business now working on the best show.

"They'll be writing stories ranging across the whole of time and space.

"The Doctor and Rose [the Doctor's new assistant] already have the best allies on their journey - brilliant writers with brilliant scripts.

"It's an honour to work with these people who are so talented; they shouldn't be allowed to travel together!"

Mark Gatiss is the writer, performer and creator of The League of Gentlemen.

Steven Moffat's credits include the acclaimed BBC TWO comedy series Coupling, winner of the Sitcom of the Year at the British Comedy Awards.

Rob Shearman is the writer of three Big Finish Doctor Who stories and Paul Cornell is the writer of several original Doctor Who novels and two Doctor Who series.

Filming in Cardiff later this year for transmission in 2005, Doctor Who is produced by Phil Collinson.

The executive producers are Mal Young, Julie Gardner and Russell T Davies.