The new season of Doctor Who apparently consists of 12 episodes, followed by a Christmas special.

A recent press release from BBC Books confirms the format for Season 9, Blogtor Who reports.

Last year’s Season 8 also ran for 12 episodes and a Christmas special, although opener ‘Deep Breath’ was a feature-length episode. It has not yet been announced if Season 9’s opener, ‘The Magician’s Apprentice’, will also have an extended running time.

Doctor Who‘s new season began filming in Cardiff in January and will air on BBC One this autumn.

> Here’s everything we know about Season 9 so far.

Are you looking forward to Season 9? Let us know below…