Doctor Who series 8: Scripts leak online as BBC begs fans not to spread spoilers

The material might have been made public when sent to Miami headquarters

Peter Capaldi and Jenna Coleman as Doctor Who and Clara behind the scenes (BBC)

The BBC has apologised after five scripts for the eighth series of Doctor Who were leaked online, almost two months before the new episodes are due to air.

The broadcaster is investigating a security issue “where unfinished material has inadvertently been made public” and has urged fans not to distribute any spoilers.

“We deeply regret this and apologise to all the show’s fans, the BBC and the cast and crew who have worked tirelessly making the series,” a statement issued to RadioTimes.com from BBC Worldwide read.

“We know only too well that Doctor Who fans are the best in the world and we thank them for their help with this and their continued loyalty.”

It is not yet known how the scripts were leaked, but reports suggest the problem may have occurred when they were sent to BBC Worldwide’s new Latin America headquarters in Miami for translation ahead of a planned global simulcast.

The first episode starring Peter Capaldi as the twelfth Time Lord is set for broadcast on 23 August, with a premiere organised for three weeks earlier in Cardiff. “Deep Breath” is included in the leaked material.

Anticipation for the forthcoming series has been rife in recent months but was heightened over the weekend by the release of another tense trailer.

The short 20-second clip shows an exploding Tardis console and the Doctor getting electrocuted as he picks up a phone while a voiceover, which sounds like megalomaniac Daleks creator Davros, says: “I see into your soul Doctor. I see beauty, divinity, hatred.”

Capaldi takes over from Matt Smith as the new Doctor and looks set to offer a darker and more mature twist on the iconic role.

“Like the Doctor himself, I find myself in a state of utter terror and delight,” the 56-year-old said of accepting the part.