Who Goes There thru' 2012

The only fly in the proverbial ointment concerning the continuation of the series (with Matt Smith confirmed as fully committed to the 11th Doctor) is some of the careful wording in the BBC's reply to a Guardian newspaper question. Yes, they confirm fourteen episodes - which many have taken to mean another full thirteen-part series plus the now obligatory Christmas special - however the Beeb wouldn't be explicitly drawn on whether those fourteen episodes would ALL be transmitted in 2012 or not.

The statement came after UK magazine Private Eye implied that the show would only have four specials in 2012, echoing the final David Tennant run - which many felt was as much down to restrictive budgeting as any creative reasoning for a show at the height of its popularity. The BBC are likely to clarify the situation soon, but it is rumoured that a schedule-move to the end of the year may be being considered. This would make some sense as hot weather and lighter evenings tend to affect primetime ratings. Perhaps another split season, but transmitted either side of Christmas 2012, with the special in the middle?

The first half of the 2011 season finished its UK run last Saturday and American viewers will see that episode next week. The second half of the season (comprising of seven episodes) will be screened later THIS year.