Doctor Who makes Christmas debut on iTunes

The initiative from BBC Worldwide will see programmes become available throughout December, with a different series released each week from December 2, with Series 4 becoming available on December 23, just in time for Christmas.

It will mean that, for the first time, fans will be able to download and keep a single digital episode or the full series.

'Doctor Who' joins a range of BBC Worldwide content already available on iTunes, including 'Spooks', and recent cutting edge comedy 'Gavin and Stacey' and the latest series of 'Top Gear'.

Simon Danker, director of digital media at BBC Worldwide, said: "Doctor Who is one of the most popular and enduring brands on British TV and the new series has introduced the Time Lord to a whole new audience. Now, Doctor Who fans young and old can revisit their favourite episodes any time and anywhere."

Christopher Eccleston first appeared as the Doctor in 2005 when the series was resurrected after a 16-year absence from TV screens. 

After the first series, David Tennant assumed the role of the Doctor alongside Billie Piper as his assistant Rose Tyler. 

The Doctor has since continued to enthrall audiences with his adventures travelling through time and space accompanied by other companions such as Martha Jones (Freema Agyeman) and Donna Noble (Catherine Tate) in multi-award winning episodes and Christmas Specials.