Comedy writers join Time Lord's team

League of Gentleman star Mark Gatiss and Coupling creator Steven Moffat have joined the writing team for the new series of Doctor Who.

Gatiss, especially, is a fervent fan of the Time Lord ­ and has previously written two Doctor Who novels.

The 13-part series starts filming in Cardiff this spring, ready for broadcast on BBC1 in 2005.

Russell T Davies, who heads the writing team, said: "I really believe we've got the best people in the business now working on the best show."

Executive producer Mal Young said: "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 such an iconic series.

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

And BBC Wales's head of drama Julie Gardner, added: "For many months to come we'll all be burning the midnight oil to make the new series the best it can be."

The new Doctor has not yet been named, but those who have been tipped include comics Alan Davies and Eddie Izzard.

Published: 4 Mar 2004