Rowling turns down Dr Who offer

Mega wealthy Harry Potter author JK Rowling was asked to write an episode of the new Dr Who sci-fi TV series but she had to say no because she is too busy writing the teen wizard’s next story, according to IMDB.com.

BBC bosses wanted her for the return of the cult British show, which will star Gone In 60 Seconds actor Christopher Ecclestone as the time-travelling hero.

But Rowling is immersed in writing the sixth Harry Potter novel, which is due for release this summer.

Dr Who writer Russell T Davies said: "I asked JK Rowling if she would like to write an episode for the new series. But she told me she was amused by the suggestion but simply doesn't have the time. It was slightly disappointing to say the least."

The new 13-part series, costing $1.8m (€1.5m) an episode, will air in the UK from next year. Dr Who was first screened in Britain in 1963, but was cancelled 15 years ago.