New Doctor Who Season to be Split

LONDON: The next season of BBC One’s Doctor Who will be split into two separate parts in 2011, with seven episodes airing in the spring and another six in the fall.

Writer Steven Moffat requested the split transmission in order to deliver a "big plot twist" in the middle of the season, the BBC says. "By splitting the series Moffat plans to give viewers one of the most exciting Doctor Who cliffhangers and plot twists ever, leaving them waiting, on the edge of their seats, until the autumn to find out what happens."

Moffat noted, "The split series is hugely exciting because viewers will be treated to two premieres, two finales and more event episodes. For the kids it will never be more than a few months to the next Doctor Who Easter, Autumn, Christmas!!"