BBC Worldwide announced today the license of the new series of the cult classic Doctor Who to Prime Television New Zealand. Only the second international deal to be finalised, the new series will deliver to Prime Television in the first quarter of 2005.

Starring Christopher Eccleston (The Second Coming, Cracker, Elizabeth) and Bille Piper (Canterbury Tales) and written by a team led by Russell T Davies (Queer As Folk) the series sees Doctor Who, the alien loner and his companion Rose forge a friendship across time and space. Fans out there should brace themselves for some exhilarating experiences and deadly confrontations.

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It has been over 40 years since Doctor Who hit our screens and sparked a fan base that spans the world. International conventions, fan clubs with members numbering in the thousands and books, videos, DVDs and merchandise are just part of the on-going phenomenon that is Doctor Who.

David Vine, BBC Worldwide Managing Director Asia Pacific, says, "This series has been long anticipated. We are very excited that Prime will bring the new Doctor to New Zealand audiences. If you are a long-time Doctor Who fan you won't be disappointed but equally if you are someone who has never heard of a Tardis or a Time Lord you will be able to climb on board and travel through time and space for the first time. Prepare for brand-new, spell-binding adventures."

Prime's Programming Manager Andrew Shaw says, "I am delighted to have acquired this fantastic new drama from the BBC. Doctor Who promises to be an outstanding series.

"We very much look forward to placing it in our primetime schedule. This series will captivate a whole new generation of fans who have never experienced the legend that is Doctor Who."