'Doctor Who' writer steps down

'Doctor Who' writer and executive producer Russell T Davies is stepping down from his role, the BBC confirmed today.

Davies, who oversaw the relaunch of the sci-fi show on BBC1, is handing over the reins to Bafta award-winning writer Steven Moffatt, who has written for the show.

Moffatt, born in 1961, previously applied for the job but was rejected – at the age of seven.

Davies said: “It’s been a delight and an honour working with Steven, and I can’t wait to see where his extraordinary imagination takes the Doctor.

“Best of all, I get to be a viewer again, watching on a Saturday night.”

Moffatt has just written the screenplay for the 'Tintin' film directed by Steven Spielberg.

He was previously known for writing such popular and highly-acclaimed shows as 'Press Gang', and Coupling, and in 2007 adapted the classic 'Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde' story for the BBC as 'Jekyll'.

The writer, who will pen the fifth series of 'Doctor Who' for broadcast in 2010, joked: “My entire career has been a secret plan to get this job.

“I applied before but I got knocked back because the BBC wanted someone else. Also, I was seven. Anyway, I’m glad the BBC has finally seen the light”.

BBC Fiction Controller Jane Tranter said: “The past four series have been brilliantly helmed by the spectacularly talented Russell T Davies.

“As lead writer and executive producer, he has overseen the creative direction and detail of the 21st century relaunch of 'Doctor Who' and we are delighted to have his continued presence on the specials over the next 18 months.

“But the challenge and excitement of the fifth series is now being handed to Steven Moffat.

“The Tardis couldn’t be in safer hands… Steven has a wonderful mix of being a committed 'Doctor Who' fan and a true artist, and his plans for the next series are totally thrilling.”

Two of Moffat’s 'Doctor Who' stories have won the Hugo, one of the science fiction world’s major awards.

'Doctor Who' returns in 2009 with four specials.

David Tennant replaced Christopher Eccleston as the Time Lord in 2005, to widespread praise from fans.

Tennant recently said of his future on the show: “I’m going to keep people guessing for as long as possible.

“I’m doing four more specials and beyond that no-one’s asked me yet.”