The Walking Dead will return for season 9 later on this year with a brand new showrunner, it's been confirmed.

Scott Gimple's controversial tenure as the AMC series' boss will draw to a close following a promotion that will see him oversee the entire franchise as the confirmed crossover with spinoff series Fear the Walking Dead takes effect.

Angela Kang, who has been working as a writer and co-executive producer on the post-apocalyptic drama since 2011, will step into the role from the season one premiere which is expected to premiere October 2018. Fans will recognise Kang's name as the writer of acclaimed episodes 'Coda' and 'Still.'

Charlie Collier, president of AMC, said: “This is an enormously important day for the entire The Walking Dead television universe. We are proud to acknowledge Angela’s significant contribution to the series and to set a clear path forward for a ninth season under her direction. Further, with gratitude and admiration, we also recognise Scott’s broad impact on, and leadership of, the content that fuels our TWD universe.

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“Together, we will dream bigger and more broadly than ever before. I know I speak for Angela, Scott and everyone at AMC when I say thanks most of all to the fans and the many talented people who have helped AMC play Dead.”

Speaking about her appointment, Kang said; “I am beyond thrilled to be stepping into this new role with The Walking Dead. Working on this series and having the opportunity to adapt Robert Kirkman’s amazing comic has been a fangirl dream come true for me. I’m excited to continue working with Scott and the wonderfully supportive folks at AMC, and can’t wait to share the next chapter of the story with our fans next fall.”

Kang will be the series' fourth showrunner following Frank Darabont, Glen Mazzara and Gimple.

Fans have been calling for Gimple's departure following a run of seasons that many have deemed the weakest to date, capped with a twist deployed in the midseason 8 finale which saw the shock death of an original character - something that comic book creator Robert Kirkman has since praised.

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Gimple's role, however, remains hugely important following the news that Lennie James' character Morgan was to depart the main show - which he has appeared on since its debut season in 2010 - for Fear the Walking Dead alongside cast members Kim Dickens, Colman Domingo and Frank Dillane.

The next episode of The Walking Dead - the midseason 8 premiere - will mark the final appearance for Chandler Riggs whose character Carl was revealed to be mortally bitten by a walker in the closing moments of the previous episode.