Doctor Who's new composer has spoken out for the first time about revamping one of the most famous theme tunes in the universe.

Speaking exclusively to Digital Spy at a launch for the new series, Segun Akinola promised that his version of the Doctor Who theme would be a reinvention, but with classic elements that fans recognise.

David Shoukry BBC

Above: Doctor Who's new composer Segun Akinola

"Without giving too much away... when you have such an iconic theme, it's really important not to mess that up, to give it the attention and reverence that it deserves," he said.

"But also, [it's important] to be brave with it, and understand that it's not just a case of pulling out exactly the same thing. So it was really a juggling act of bringing out something slightly different, but also starting from the original place."

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Akinola described reinventing Ron Grainer and Delia Derbyshire's original classic theme as a "big challenge", but "a lot of fun" and "such a rewarding experience".

A BAFTA Breakthrough Brit and graduate of the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, Akinola will write the music for all 10 episodes of Doctor Who's new series, replacing long-time composer Murray Gold.

BBC

He found out he'd got the job "around Christmas time last year", revealing how the life-changing call from showrunner Chris Chibnall interrupted a spell of festive shopping. "I was actually in Tesco!" Akinola told us. "I got this call from Chris... and I got the job.

"I was there buying some mulled wine for my wife and I, to have a Christmassy kind of evening, but I just ended up walking up and down the aisle a few times, because it was just such a surreal and crazy experience!

"It was amazing to be considered, and amazing to get the job, and it's been just such a fun opportunity. Everyone, the whole team, has been brilliant and really supportive."

Chibnall recently revealed that Akinola's version of the theme won't open the first episode of the new series, 'The Woman Who Fell to Earth': "You'll have to wait till episode two to see [the new titles and theme] in situ," he told Doctor Who Magazine. "Episode one starts a little differently."

Doctor Who, starring Jodie Whittaker as the new Doctor, begins Sunday, October 7 on BBC One.

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