The long-rumoured series begins filming in August.
The BBC and Disney have officially confirmed a new Doctor Who spin-off, titled The War Between The Land And The Sea.
Russell Tovey (Years and Years) and Gugu Mbatha-Raw (Black Mirror, Loki) will lead the new series, co-written by Pete McTighe. and Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies.
The spin-off will also see the return of Jemma Redgrave as Kate Lethbridge-Stewart and Alexander Devrient as Colonel Ibrahim.
The official synopsis for The War Between The Land And The Sea reads: "When a fearsome and ancient species emerges from the ocean, dramatically revealing themselves to humanity, an international crisis is triggered. With the entire population at risk, UNIT step into action as the land and sea wage war."
Russell T Davies said: I’m so lucky to work with such a magnificent cast. And this is a huge, muscular, thrilling drama which will shake The Whoniverse to its foundations. When the Doctor’s not in town, the whole of humanity is in trouble."
Lindsay Salt, Director of Drama at the BBC, added: "The War Between The Land and The Sea is another utterly unique and gripping drama from Russell T Davies and we’re delighted to welcome the show to The Whoniverse!
"Featuring a stellar cast, with Russell Tovey and Gugu Mbatha-Raw taking on leading roles, this brand new epic mini series will leave audiences on the edge of their seats as they watch UNIT take on one of their biggest battles to save humanity."
By entering your details, you are agreeing to our terms and conditions and privacy policy. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Interestingly, both Tovey and Mbatha-Raw have appeared in Doctor Who before – the former played Midshipman Alonso Frame in two episodes in 2007 and 2010, while the latter portrayed Tish Jones, sister of companion Martha Jones (Freema Agyeman), in several episodes aired in 2007.
However, both are understood to be playing new characters in The War Between The Land And The Sea.
Filming will begin next month, with Dylan Holmes-Williams – who directed the Doctor Who episodes 73 Yards and Dot and Bubble – helming the five episodes.
Read more:
Doctor Who will return at Christmas on BBC iPlayer and BBC One. Previous seasons are available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
Check out more of our Sci-Fi coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Morgan Jeffery is the Digital Editor for Radio Times, overseeing all editorial output across the brand's digital platforms. He was previously TV Editor at Digital Spy and has featured as a TV expert on BBC Breakfast, BBC Radio 5 Live and Sky Atlantic.
Find out the pros and cons of equity release and request a free guide.
By entering your details, you are agreeing to our terms and conditions and privacy policy. You can unsubscribe at any time.