IT could have been the ultimate spoiler for fans of the hugely popular international hit series Doctor Who.

A copy of a script for one of the most-highly anticipated episodes of the new series was reportedly left in a cab by an actress and the title page posted online.

But after a backlash from fans who saw the page on social news site Reddit a decision was made to return it to the BBC production offices in Cardiff, Wales.

The most popular comment on the leak thread reads: “Listen, that needs to go right back to the BBC Wales offices. A lot of people are excited about (writer) Neil Gaiman’s return to DW and (producer) Steven Moffat put a LOT into casting it. Please do the right thing and tell your friend not to spoil it or let it fall into the wrong hands.”

The episode in question was written by acclaimed fantasy and sci-fi author Gaiman and called "The Last Cyberman".

Gaiman was one of the first writers to embrace social media and has a huge following online. The Cybermen are one of the key villains in the series and mortal enemies of the Doctor.

Within days the Reddit user known as “Shrimpdude” behind the thread posted: “The leaked script has been returned. I went today to Cardiff Bay with the girl who recovered it and we handed it over. Thanks to everyone who upvoted the post and everyone who helped contact the BBC. Here is my visitor’s pass as evidence.”

Read more about the Doctor Who leak with Claire Connelly at The Punch: Sometimes mob rule works



Originally published as Web fan backlash kills Doctor Who spoiler