Doctor Who will have fewer episodes when Jodie Whittaker takes over the lead role next autumn.

The BBC1 series will run for 10 weeks rather than the usual 12 or 13, but each programme will last a full hour instead of 45 minutes.

The changes are part of a revamp by incoming show boss Chris Chibnal.

Excitingly Chibnall – a lifelong Doctor Who fan - has also ordered a new-look police box, a redesigned TARDIS control room and an updated sonic screwdriver.

One insider explained: “It is traditional for new showrunners to come in and shake things up to stamp their mark on the show and Chris is not doing things by halves.

(Image: BBC / Doctor Who)

"Expect something fresh and brilliant, with more of the stories travelling backwards in time, to interesting historical eras, as well as forwards.”

Previously, the series featuring Christopher Eccleston, David Tennant and Matt Smith all lasted for 13 episodes, plus a Christmas special.

This then dwindled to 12 episodes plus a festive edition under Peter Capaldi.

(Image: PA)

His swansong as the 12th Doctor will come this Christmas when he regenerates into Jodie during the last two minutes of action.

It is unclear where the new BBC1 series will be scheduled on Saturday evenings however, as an autumn outing will again set it on a collision course with Strictly Come Dancing. Fans, many of whom are primary school kids, prefer to watch the show in its traditional teatime slot rather in peaktime.

The last series, in 2016, aired in the springtime to avoid Strictly altogether.