Steven Moffat: It's "foolish" to think Doctor Who's job is to reflect society

Speaking with the University of Glasgow's Screenwriting Society, Moffat was asked about what it's been like to return to write on a show for a "very similar but yet very different society" compared to when he first worked on Doctor Who.

When asked about how he's found that, alongside changes in "the way that we view TV but also what's in TV and how we represent people in TV and Britain", Moffat said: "Well, we are talking about a show that started in 1963 and hasn’t changed that much."

He continued: "I don't know, I think you're slightly foolish to think it's your job to reflect society. I don't think it really is. I know people always say it is, but why?

"Do you want your television just to broadcast agreement at your face? 'Yes, you're right about everything, here's your world.' I don't think you ever... you just try to tell exciting stories.

"Doctor Who is very much Doctor Who, and I can assure you, having read quite a few of the new ones, that it's still that show.

"Tiny little details change, but basically he runs out the TARDIS and says, 'There's something terribly wrong here,' and sorts it out for a while, right? Then blows everything up at the last minute."

He added: "I'm aware I'm the old geezer coming along to do Doctor Who but that's alright, there's nothing wrong with that. There's also young people writing on this show.

"I don't think you're ever really that engaged by that, tell a story. It's not your job to reflect people's culture back at them, it really isn't."

Moffat returns for Gatwa's season for an episode that will be directed by BAFTA and Golden Globe-nominated Julie Anne Robinson.

On the announcement of his return, Moffat said: "Yes, OK, fair enough – apologies to everyone I've very slightly misled – I am in fact writing an episode of the series of Doctor Who. Exactly like I said I never would. What can I tell you?"

Read more:

• Russell T Davies teases Doctor Who announcement is "incoming"
• Doctor Who Season 1 trailer brings back Bonnie Langford

He continued: "There was begging, there was pleading, but finally Russell agreed to let me have another go – so long as I got out of his garden. Working with old friends and a brand new Doctor, I couldn't be happier.

"Sorry I was a bit reticent on the subject for so long. It was all part of an elaborate plan that would have delighted millions, but at the last minute I forgot what it was."

Doctor Who will return in May. Previous seasons are available to stream on BBC iPlayer with episodes of the classic series also available on BritBox – you can sign up for a 7-day free trial here.

Check out more of our Sci-Fi coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to see what's on tonight.

Try Radio Times magazine today and get 10 issues for only £10 – subscribe now. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.