Doctor Who showrunner Chris Chibnall reveals the new season will only be eight episodes long due to COVID-19 restrictions as production prepares to get underway
Doctor Who showrunner Chris Chibnall revealed the season 13 has been cut down to eight episodes instead of the usual 11 due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Speaking to The Mirror on Wednesday, the TV writer, 50, confirmed he had made the changes because of 'new and rigorous' rules that mean they would have to take longer to film each episode.
Also confirming filming was set to start again soon, he explained: 'In this strangest of years, the Doctor Who production team have worked wonders to get the show back into production.
Cuts: Doctor Who showrunner Chris Chibnall revealed on Wednesday the new season will only be eight episodes long due to COVID-19 restrictions as production prepares to get underway
'Given the complexity of making Doctor Who, and with new and rigorous Covid working protocols, it’s going to take us a little longer to film each episode, meaning we expect to end up with eight episodes, rather than the usual 11.'
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The show's executive producer Matt Strevens added: 'The amazing production team, crew and cast have worked wonders to get us shooting again in these challenging times. It’s going to be as fun filled and action packed as ever – with plenty of surprises.'
Jodie Whittaker's Thirteenth Doctor is set to return with a festive special, Revolution Of The Daleks, on New Years Day 2021, with the new season expected to air in autumn 2021.
Changes: Chris (R) explained: 'Given the complexity of making Doctor Who, and with new and rigorous Covid working protocols, it’s going to take us a little longer to film each episode'
The finale for season 12 left fans staggered as it was revealed that The Doctor was in fact the origin of the entire Time Lord species, and hinted that there were previous incarnations that even she didn't know about.
The series finale appeared to answer some of fans' questions, but also left many viewers stunned by re-writing Who's entire history.
It was revealed by The Master that The Doctor was actually The Timeless Child, who was responsible for the creation of The Time Lords and all that the universe knows about regeneration.
The Doctor was stunned by the reveal as it meant that her entire history was a lie, and also hinted that there could be other incarnations waiting in the universe.
Jodie has already confirmed that will be back for a third series, and will next appear in a Christmas Special.
It's also been reported that both Bradley Walsh and Tosin Cole will be leaving Who at the end of the year, with their final scenes expected to air during the festive special.
Shock: Season 12's finale left many viewers stunned by re-writing Who's entire history, as it was revealed that there were several incarnations of The Doctor, including Jo Martin (pictured)
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