Yes, the cyborg, genocidal mutants from Skaro are the Doctor’s most iconic foes. Yes, their design is probably as associated with the Doctor Who brand as the Tardis, and yes, a highlight of any new Doctor is seeing them go up against their tinpot nemeses.

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But over the years these reasons have made the Daleks incredibly overused as Doctor Who villains, and it's about time they took a break – especially in a series that new boss Chris Chibnall was keen to make accessible for first-time viewers.

“I don't know how many times I need to say it,” a slightly frustrated Chibnall told RadioTimes.com at a set visit.

“There are no old monsters this series. OK?”

We completely get his reasoning and support his decision, and enjoyed meeting an all-new cast of exciting alien foes this year.

And yet. And yet.

Where my Daleks at?

Let’s get real - they aren’t really benching the Daleks, right? This must be a massive double bluff, a red herring, an extra layer of secrecy. They’re the Daleks – they’re part of the Doctor Who recipe.

It’d be like bringing back Line of Duty without Ted Hastings’ weird colloquialisms, Game of Thrones without endless scenes of Kit Harington sulking, or doing a series of Poldark where Aidan Turner wears sensible outdoor clothing at all times.

Nope, this Dalek disappearance feels mighty fishy to us – and here at RadioTimes.com, we’re determined to uphold the values of the fourth estate and topple this wall of secrecy.

Which is why as time goes on we’ll be asking one simple question, and updating our answer as and when any information changes.

If you haven’t seen the latest episode, we’d advise you look away now, lest the surprise presence of Daleks ruins your anticipation – or even if their expected absence is enough to ruin your immersion.

Are the Daleks back in Doctor Who yet?

Almost!! In a massive coup for the Dalek lobby, a new BBC trailer has suggested that the Doctor's greatest foes will return in the New Year's Day special Resolution. Listen below right to the end...

Until then, faithful readers - our #Dalekwatch continues. Any sightings welcome.

Doctor Who airs on BBC1

This article was originally published on 5 October 2018