Doctor Who will not be returning for a full series in 2012, it has been revealed.
The Matt Smith sci-fi drama was recently renewed for 14 new episodes, although it was also suggested that only some of the commissioned episodes would be transmitted in 2012.
BBC One controller Danny Cohen has now confirmed at the Church and Media Conference that Doctor Who will not be back for a full-length series next year.
It was later clarified that some episodes will still go out in 2012 while others will be aired in 2013, potentially as part of a "special run" of anniversary episodes.
"Danny Cohen says there won't be a full series of Doctor Who in 2012, but a special run for the anniversary in 2013," BBC Merseyside's Religious Editor Wayne Clarke tweeted.
BBC reporter Lizo Mzimba later confirmed the news, posting: "The BBC has, of course, commissioned 14 new episodes of Dr Who (hurrah) so looks like some will go in 2012 and remainder in 2013.
"Don't know how many 2012 eps or what time of year they'll be broadcast. No further details about what more's happening in 2013 yet. But it's the 50th anniversary, so of course there will be some great stuff!"
Doctor Who showrunner Steven Moffat recently confessed that he did not know when the 14 new episodes will go out.