Doctor Who is reportedly set for a major shake-up ahead of its 12th series, as bosses are planning to move the show back to Saturday nights, according to The Mirror.

A source told the publication that after ratings steadily declined throughout the 11th series, the BBC are considering moving the show back to its old slot, in a bid to retain younger viewers.

It comes after Who's most recent series was warmly received by fans when it began in October last year, with Jodie Whittaker earning plenty of praise for her performance as the first female Doctor.

Big shift: Doctor Who is reportedly set for a major shake-up ahead of its 12th series, as bosses are planning to move the show back to Saturday nights, according to The Mirror

A source claimed: 'There is a feeling families are freer to watch on Saturdays than Sundays, when kids have homework to finish.

'While the show rated well overall, there were concerns over the decline in audience. Returning to Saturdays is being discussed as a likely option.'

MailOnline has contacted representatives for Doctor Who for comment.

Change: A source claimed that the BBC were considering moving the show back to its old slot in a bid to retain a younger audience

Should Who return to Saturdays it could be up against many prime-time favourites on rival channel ITV, though the show's current return date of Early 2020 would prove less competitive.

Doctor Who made its big returns to screens in October last year after almost a year off air, with viewers thrilled with its new look under show-runner Chris Chibnall.

As well as new companions, actress Jodie was acclaimed for taking on the role of the Doctor, the first female actress to do so.

Praised: The 11th series of Doctor Who was praised by die-hard fans, as it welcomed in the first female Doctor played by Jodie Whittaker, under new show runner Chris Chibnall

However the show did earn some criticism from fans for being too politically correct, though the episode depicting the life of Rosa Parks was praised for highlighting the issue of civil rights at the time.

The debut episode earned the show's highest ratings in years with a consolidated audience of 10.96 million, though this figure steadily declined, with the finale only reaching 6.65 million.

This remains up on recent series, especially in an era when much of television is consumed on catch-up or streaming.

Doctor Who: Series 12 will air in early 2020.