Departing Doctor Who showrunner Chris Chibnall has admitted that he is "excited" to hand over the reins to his successor in the near future.
Last month it was confirmed that Chibnall will be stepping down from the position next year at the same time that Jodie Whittaker exits her role as The Doctor after almost five years.
Looking ahead to the future in his column for Doctor Who Magazine, Chibnall wrote: "There's a tantalising array of talent out there who could do this job brilliantly. It's time for it to be new again. I'm excited to head back behind the sofa, as a viewer."
On why he chose to quit, he explained: "This is an extraordinary job to have, but I know Russell T Davies and Steven Moffat would agree that a work/life balance isn't possible when showrunning Doctor Who.
"You get to see your friends and family maybe 90% less than before. No undisturbed holidays or time off over Christmas, very few work-free weekends of evenings.
"That's not a complaint - I love the show and the work, and I knew this would be the case when I signed on. But it isn't sustainable, or desirable, in the long term."
Chibnall and Whittaker will depart the series in a special episode set to air in Autumn 2022 as part of the BBC's centenary celebrations.
Follow us on Twitter @SMEntsFeed and like us on Facebook for the latest entertainment news alerts.
