BBC: Daleks will not be exterminated
The Daleks will make a return in the new series of Doctor Who, the BBC announced today.
The BBC originally said that the villains would not appear in the new series - sparking a protest by Dalek fans.
It said talks with the estate of the late sci-fi writer Terry Nation, who created the metal monsters, broke down over issues of editorial control.
The agent for the Terry Nation Estate hit back, accusing the BBC of trying to ruin the Dalek brand, and said the corporation had not been prepared to give the estate the control it had enjoyed for the last 40 years.
But today the BBC announced that the Daleks will star alongside actor Christopher Eccleston, the new doctor, and Billie Piper, who plays his companion Rose Tyler.
Tim Hancock, agent for the Terry Nation Estate, said: “I am absolutely delighted that the Terry Nation Estate and the BBC have been able to reach agreement on terms for the use of the Daleks in the new Doctor Who series.
“We look forward to working closely with the production team in the forthcoming months.”
Antony Wainer, of the Dr Who Appreciation Society, said the fan club was “absolutely delighted”.
He said: “Not having the Daleks is like not having strawberries and cream at Wimbledon.
“They’re absolutely synonymous. You can’t have one without the other.
“We’re very happy. First we heard Dr Who was coming back and now we feel that we’ve got it all.”
He added: “The Daleks made Dr Who very successful. When they came along in the fifth week, everyone wanted to know more about the metal creatures.
“They got people talking about Dr Who.”
Mal Young, BBC Controller of Continuing Drama Series, said: “As well as coming face-to-face with a number of new and exciting monsters, it’s good news that the doctor will also do battle with his arch enemy the Daleks in a series which promises to surprise and entertain a new generation.”
The new 13-part series is set to reach TV screens next year and is currently filming in Cardiff and London.
