Doctor Who boss Russell T Davies has said that the show's controversial new release pattern is a consequence of "the modern world".

The sci-fi series returns for a run of eight new episodes with Ncuti Gatwa and Millie Gibson on Saturday, May 11.

The first two episodes will go live at midnight on BBC iPlayer in the UK - and simultaneously via Disney+ in the rest of the world - with a linear transmission following around 18 hours later on BBC One.

The move marks the first time that the long-running show will debut on streaming first - and the choice of a midnight UK release time, which is a more sociable 7pm in the US, has angered some fans.

Writing for his monthly column in Doctor Who Magazine, Davies said: "With plenty of warning of the new pattern, for you to plan ahead and choose your own viewing. And that's the point: choice. You're not having to change your habits to fit the show, the show is changing to fit you.

"And it's changing to adopt the patterns of all modern TV shows. Yes, I think all of them, very soon. This is the future, and it's here, right now."

He continued: "Unfortunately, there's always been a subset of viewers hitting the spoiler problem, like the tons of people who work Saturdays and on night shifts. They've had to negotiate this for years.

"So there has never been a transmission pattern in the digital age that's perfect for everyone. And to be honest. If you're that online, and cannot change... folks, you stand a high chance of getting spoiled anyway. Before transmission. That's the modern world. Beyond my control."

Watch the latest trailer for the new season below: