BBC bosses have revealed that the fifth series of Doctor Who will not air in 2009 as planned, but a year later in 2010.

Instead, Tennant, will star in three Doctor Who specials, written by Russell T Davies, on BBC One in 2009.

BBC Fiction controller Jane Tranter said: “Doctor Who is one of the BBC’s best loved and most successful dramas.

“Its journey over the past three series has been one of the most ambitious and exciting that we have had, and I’m delighted to be able to confirm not only three exciting specials for 2009, but a fifth series in 2010. ”

Menna Richards, controller of BBC Wales, said: “This announcement is marvellous news for all involved, and more importantly for the programme’s amazing fan base and audience.”

However, David Tennant’s return as the doctor cannot be guaranteed, and a spokeswoman for Doctor Who said she was unable to comment whether Tennant would return for the 2010 series. I wonder if this means the way is clear for James Nesbitt then?