Daleks return

Despite fan's fears it now looks like the new series of "Doctor Who" will indeed feature Daleks.

15:08 18 March 2004

Despite fan's fears it now looks like the new series of "Doctor Who" will indeed feature Daleks.

The Doctor's famed foes may have been absent from his new adventures, as legal battles with their creator caused problems.

Terry Nation created the Daleks, and owned the copyright to them, but he has died and his estate was in negotiations with the BBC in the run up to the new series.

But writer Russell Davies told TV Plus: "The negotiations are going well and I expect a positive result.

"The estate is protecting an important property, after all, and I can appreciate why they are being so careful. I'd like to think my estate will be equally well-protected after I go."

The people who will play the Doctor and his sidekick are expected to be announced next week.

There may even be a love interest for the disgraced Time Lord.

"Don't assume that the Doctor can never have sex. I'm not saying anything and you will have to wait and see how he develops. But he can always change. We shouldn't assume the character cannot change in some ways," said Davies.

The writing team for the new project is formidable, with "Coupling" author Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss of "The League of Gentlemen" just part of the team.

Filming is set to begin in Cardiff this spring, with a transmission date pencilled in for early 2005.

"Buffy the Vampire Slayer" actor Anthony Head, Richard E Grant, and Eddie Izzard have all been linked with the role.