Minchin is currently working as an executive producer on Russell T Davies’ Wizards Vs Aliens for CBBC and Toby Whithouse’s new Cold War spy thriller, The Game, for BBC One. He has also previousy worked on The Sarah Jane Adventures, Dirk Gently, Torchwood and Being Human.

He commented: “I’m thrilled and excited to be joining Steven Moffat on a show that has meant so much to me over the years. I’ve watched in awe as Steven has taken Doctor Who to wild and imaginative places and I can’t wait to get started on many more adventures with The Doctor.”

Steven Moffat added: “When I first took over Doctor Who, Brian was there as script editor, and in the most difficult time of a new Doctor and a new era, was completely brilliant. We lost him to producing The Sarah Jane Adventures at the end of our first run. Rising talent keeps rising, is how I comforted myself back then – but now I am beyond happy that Brian has risen all the way back to Doctor Who, in his new role of Executive Producer. I look forward to getting hopelessly lost in space and time with him.”

Minchin begins his new position with immediate effect.

> Catch up on all the 50th Anniversary Special news and rumours so far in our summary.

What are your hopes for the finale? Let us know below…

> Order Series 7 Part 2 on DVD on Amazon.

> Buy Series 7 Part 1 on DVD on Amazon.

Watch the Series 7 Part 2 trailer…