We've been hearing chatter about one or more Doctor Who spin-offs for several months now. Some believe it will focus on U.N.I.T., while others remain convinced that David Tennant's still very much alive Fourteenth Doctor will take centre stage in his own time-travel adventures.
The main series returns in May and Disney+'s financial involvement is likely a key factor to any spin-off plans. However, seeing as returning showrunner Russell T Davies launched Torchwood and The Sarah Jane Adventures during his last run, perhaps we shouldn't be surprised to see the Whoniverse once again expanding!
What we didn't expect was for this rumoured project to put the spotlight on the Sea Devils.
This news comes our way from a listing on ProductionList.com (via SFFGazette.com) which suggests the series will be helmed by showrunner Phil Collinson and producers Julie Gardner, Jane Tranter, and Vic Delow. Shooting, meanwhile, is reportedly going to begin this March in Cardiff, Wales.
The Sea Devils are a race of aquatic reptilian creatures that first appeared in "The Sea Devils" episode which aired in 1972. That was part of the Jon Pertwee era, during the Third Doctor's tenure.
The Sea Devils are related to another Doctor Who monster, the Silurians, who are an ancient and technologically advanced race that predates humanity. Like the Silurians, the Sea Devils are Earth-based creatures that went into hibernation to survive changes in the planet's climate. They were last seen in 2022's "Legend of the Sea Devils," though that received largely negative reviews and was the show's lowest-viewed episode.
As a result, we'd bet on this being a misdirect to throw fans off the scent!
In related Doctor Who news, the BBC has finally responded to recent complaints from viewers about the inclusion of a transgender character, played by Heartstopper star Yasmin Finney, in "The Star Beast" 60th anniversary special.
According to Deadline, the broadcaster has issued a response which reads, "As regular viewers of Doctor Who will be aware, the show has and will always continue to proudly celebrate diversity and reflect the world we live in. We are always mindful of the content within our episodes."
In other words, just like Davies, they're not going to pay attention to those who found fault with the Doctor Who franchise simply for embracing diversity. A recent trailer for the next season confirmed Finney's Rose Noble will return in the next series alongside Ncuti Gatwa's Doctor, so we'll no doubt see more complaining then.
Which characters would you like to see in a Doctor Who spin-off? Let us know in the comments section.