Speaking to Broadcast, the writer revealed that he is committed to producing “at least” 13 episodes in 2014, although this may include next year’s Christmas special.

Previous reports have suggested that Series 8 would be comprised of only 12 episodes, while Series 7 saw five episodes and a Christmas special air in 2012 with the remaining eight episodes airing earlier this year.

> Find out all the latest info on Series 8 in our news summary.

Moffat commented: “There’s always a point in production, usually half-way, maybe two thirds, through a series when you realise you’re juggling at least one aspect of each show at once: maybe a press launch for one, another in the edit and I might not have written the last one. You wake up in the night thinking about 13 emergencies, each of them equally calamitous. As a lifestyle choice, it’s questionable.”

He added: “One of the hardest things for me to do is work out when I’ll have time to write.”

Are you looking forward to Series 8? Let us know below…

> Order the 50th anniversary special on DVD on Amazon.

> Order the 50th anniversary special on Blu-ray on Amazon.

Watch the 50th anniversary trailer…