Doctor Who's trusty sidekicks to get mini-series

Doctor Who stars Matt Smith, Karen Gillan and Arthur Darvill at a premiere for the new TV series (PA)

Doctor Who fans will get a glimpse of Pond life in a new miniseries about the Time Lord's trusty sidekicks.

The five short episodes will be shown online ahead of the start of the new series in September and will focus on the characters played by Karen Gillan and Arthur Darvill.

Writer Chris Chibnall said: "Pond Life provides us with a lovely opportunity to catch up with Amy and Rory since we saw them at the end of the last series.

"It opens with them at home and gives us an insight into just what happens when the Doctor drops in and out of their lives.

"Travelling with the Doctor is one of the greatest things you can do, but it's fun to spend a few moments looking at the chaos he can also bring."

Pond Life will be shown online over five days from Monday August 27 on the official Doctor Who website and BBC1 YouTube Channel and then repeated in an omnibus on the Red Button on Saturday September 1.

The actual series returns with the first of five full episodes on the Saturday at 7.20pm on BBC1.

PA