It looks like Doctor Who is getting a teenage facelift. BBC has just announced Class, a spin-off series set in the same universe as the long running show aimed at a younger audience. The new show marks the screenwriting debut of acclaimed author Patrick Ness, the man behind the popular Chaos Walking book trilogy.
The series will be set in Coal Hill School, a recurring location from its parent show. The firs season will consist of eight 45 minute episodes.
In the official announcement on the BBC's blog, Doctor Who producer Steven Moffat said:
"No one has documented the dark and exhilarating world of the teenager like Patrick Ness, and now we're bringing his brilliant story-telling into Doctor Who. This is growing up in modern Britain - but with monsters!"
Ness was equally ecstatic about joining the Doctor Who universe saying:
"I'm astounded and thrilled to be entering the Doctor Who universe, which is as vast as time and space itself. There's so much room there for all kinds of amazing stories, and to work with Steven Moffat and Brian Minchin to find a place to tell one of my own has been an absolute joy. I can't wait for people to meet the heroes of Class, to meet the all-new villains and aliens, to remember that the horrors of the darkest corners of existence are just about on par with having to pass your A-Levels."
BBC says that the program will begin filming next year at locations in and around Wales and will air sometime in 2016.
This news comes in the midst of serious upheaval facing the main series. Rumors have swirled saying that current doctor Peter Capaldi may be on his way out. Jenna Coleman, who plays the doctor's assistant Clara, has already confirmed she is leaving the show after the conclusion of the current season.
